Rangers at Canucks
After seeing a once-promising road trip skid off the rails, the Vancouver Canucks hope to get back on track when they open a four-game homestand against the New York Rangers on Saturday night. Surprising Vancouver was perched atop the Pacific Division following a 3-0 victory at Pittsburgh on Dec. 4 but dropped the final three on its seven-game trek. The Canucks have lost four in a row to the Rangers, including two straight in Vancouver.
New York, which is kicking off a four-game road trip, has been off since outlasting Pittsburgh in overtime on Monday to halt a modest two-game slide. "We needed it for a couple reasons," goaltender Henrik Lundqvist said after the Rangers coughed up a two-goal lead. "Obviously for confidence, but also we need points to get back in the race." Rick Nash has scored in back-to-back games and has six goals in his last eight contests.
TV: 10 p.m. ET, MSG (New York), CBC
ABOUT THE RANGERS (12-10-4): Forward Chris Kreider sat out Monday's game due to neck spasms and found himself skating on the team's fourth line at Friday's practice while J.T. Miller assumes his spot on the No. 2 line. Kreider had 17 goals and 37 points in 66 games last season but has scored only four times this season and is mired in an 11-game goalless drought. "I know how I have to play, and I don't need somebody to send me a message," Kreider said of being dropped to the fourth line. "I put more pressure on myself than anyone else."
ABOUT THE CANUCKS (18-9-2): Vancouver is tied with New Jersey for the fewest home games (11), but it enters a favorable stretch with nine of the next 11 to be played at Rogers Arena. "It's time to take care of business at home," said forward Daniel Sedin, who is tied with twin brother Henrik for the team lead with 26 points. "This is going to be a key stretch for us, so we're excited." Goaltender Ryan Miller struggled during the middle of the road trip, allowing 11 goals in two-plus games, but it 7-1-0 at home this season.
OVERTIME
1. Lundqvist has won his last three starts - including a pair of shutouts - versus the Canucks.
2. Vancouver is 0-for-13 on the power play over the past four games.
3. Nash is riding an eight-game point streak.