Vancouver Canucks look for another road victory as they take on New Jersey Devils – NHL Preview
Vancouver Canucks were excited to have an opportunity to play against Detroit Red Wings, who had registered a National Hockey League (NHL) record of winning 23 straight home games.
They were excited because they love challenges and after a thrilling matchup, the record-breaking winning streak was eventually ended.
As Canucks continue their road trip, they hope to crush all the opponents on their home ice. The next challenge, a tough one, for them is New Jersey Devils who will host Canucks on Friday, February 24, 2012, at Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey.
Devils are also in a threatening form and they are capable of silencing the team, which destroyed Red Wings.
Let’s have a look at both the teams.
Canucks
Canucks lost the first game they played this month, but won three before losing another. They went on to win four more before getting that run snapped.
In their last game, however, they registered a dominant victory over Detroit Red Wings, who are leading the Western Conference.
After the victory, Canucks are just one point short of Red Wings and are ranked second in the conference with 84 points.
Red Wings scored a goal in the first period, while Canucks equalised in the second. The spice to the game was added in the final period where both the teams scored two goals each to force the game to overtime.
After the goalless overtime, the game was forced to shootout where Canucks scored on the last attempt to get the victory.
Canucks’ winger, Alex Burrows, said:
"For us to come in here and play well and show that we can beat them means a lot. But there's a lot of work ahead and if we face them in the playoffs, it will start 0-0."
Devils
Presently on a four-game winning streak, Devils have only lost two out of 10 games played in this month.
Devils are ranked at fourth spot in the Eastern Conference with 74 points after 59 games.
In their last game, they defeated Toronto Maple Leafs, 4-3 in overtime.
Goalie, Martin Brodeur, gave credit of the victory to coach, Pete DeBoer. The goaltender said:
"You have to get guys to buy into your system and I think Pete has done that with his demeanour. He does a good job getting everybody involved, it's not just a one-man show. He understands the ups and downs of a season and is good about taking care of guys
by giving them days off."
The point of concern for Devils, however, is their inability to perform against tough teams and that’s why Canucks will have a slight edge in the game.
Predictions
Canucks might win the game.
The sum of goals scored by both the teams might exceed six.
If Devils win, the winning margin will be less than two goals.
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