Since we last tangled with the Vancouver Canucks…
IN: Zack Kassian, Sammy Pahlsson, Marc-Andre Gragnani (via trade)
OUT: The team has confirmed that Daniel Sedin is suffering from a concussion, which resulted from Duncan Keith’s elbow to his head. Sedin had previously shoulder-checked Keith in a way that clipped his chin. Shanahan should have discussed intent in his ruling on Keith. Bah.
Enemy reading: Nucks Misconduct
Possible lineup:
Raymond-Sedin-Kassian
Burrows-Kesler-Booth
Higgins-Pahlsson-Hansen
Weise-Malhotra-Lapierre
Edler-Bieksa
Hamhuis-Tanev
Salo-Gragnani
Luongo
Game outlook: The Canucks responded to the loss of Daniel Sedin by picking up their game and winning the last two. This will be one of the toughest games left in the stretch, as they are a strong possession club with great goaltending.
The Kings‘ heavy lifters are still Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, Rob Scuderi, Dustin Brown, Mike Richards, and Justin Williams. They face the toughest competition on the team, and at the same time are expected to carry the scoring. Can they step up? Will the rest of the team chip in? Every game left is a must win. We’ll see who answers the bell.