By Scott Burgess
Game Day: Tue, Dec 18, 2007 10:00 PM ET
Odds provide by BodogLife for odds.
The Vancouver Canucks (-120) host the New Jersey Devils (+100), at G.M. Place, for some hard hitting NHL action. The last time the Devils were in Vancouver was December 29, 2001, where the Canucks won 4-2.
The Vancouver Canucks (17-12-0-4) just got home after a dismal road performance where they had one win in four games. They recently lost 2-1 (SO) in Edmonton. The Canucks have been without their super star goalie Roberto Luongo because of sore ribs. He is expected to start on Tuesday but it is still a game time decision. The Canucks have been plagued by injuries but the new recruits have filled in nicely. The Canucks offense averages 2.6 GAG and their power play has been average lately. On defense they allow 2.3 GAA but that’s with Luongo in net. Daniel Sedin is the top producer with 29pts and Marcus Naslund leads with 90 shots on net.
The N.J. Devils (18-12-2-1) have seven wins in their last ten games after their most recent, 4-2, home win over the Philadelphia Flyers. John Madden banged in two goals, Aaron Asham and Jamie Langenbrunner each put a goal in. The Devils aren’t know for their aggressive style of offense but it has sure picked up in their last ten games. Their defense is their strongest attribute. They’re ranked 6th in goals against and shots on net but surprisingly the aren’t good on the penalty kill. G Martin Brodeur is 16-11-2 with a 2.26 GAA along with 2 SHO.
Bottom Line: It’s all going to come down to who’s in net for the Canucks. If it’s Luongo, expect a low scoring defensive game. If it’s Sanford, expect the Devils to bang a few in and they’ll continue to play strong defense the rest of the game. Devils win!
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