Flames at Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks look to avoid a third straight defeat when they conclude their season-opening four game homestand Saturday against the Calgary Flames. Vancouver began the campaign by edging Edmonton but proceeded to fall to Ottawa in a shootout and drop a 4-2 decision against Winnipeg on Thursday.
The Canucks scored a total of only seven goals in their first three contests, with defenseman Chris Tanev and Bo Horvat recording two apiece. Calgary has been experiencing ups and downs offensively thus far, scoring four or more goals twice while recording two or fewer three times. The Flames need to step it up against Vancouver after suffering its second shutout loss of the campaign on Friday - a 6-0 home setback against Ottawa that halted a three-game winning streak. Jaromir Jagr has yet to land on the scoresheet in two games for Calgary but registered his first four shots in the loss to the Senators.
TV: 10 p.m. ET, Sportsnet 1, CITY
ABOUT THE FLAMES (3-2-0): Jagr, who likely is playing his final season in the NHL, will remain in third place on the all-time goals list and second in points but still can climb a spot in assists. The 45-year-old Czech trails Ray Bourque (1,169) by 20 assists and should surpass the Hall-of-Fame defenseman barring injury. Sean Monahan shares the team lead with two goals, both of which were game-winners.
ABOUT THE CANUCKS (1-1-1): Vancouver hopes to have Alex Edler in the lineup after the defenseman exited the loss to Winnipeg in the first period with a lower-body injury. "He's our minute-logger, plays in every situation," Tanev told reporters after the setback. "It's tough to lose him." If Edler cannot play against Calgary, fellow defenseman Derrick Pouliot could make his debut with the Canucks as he has yet to play since being acquired from Pittsburgh on Oct. 3.
OVERTIME
1. Canucks rookie RW Brock Boeser made his season debut on Thursday and recorded an assist in 16 1/2 minutes of ice time.
2. Calgary G Eddie Lack, who spent his first two seasons in the NHL with Vancouver, likely will make his first start for the Flames against his former club.
3. Vancouver takes to the road after the contest, beginning a five-game trek on Tuesday in Ottawa.