The San Jose Sharks are wrapping up the road trip in Vancouver, facing off against a Canucks squad who has taken advantage of a weak Pacific Division to tread water somewhere around a playoff spot for much of the season so far.
Coming into tonight is the curious case of Marcus Sorensen, who will be a healthy scratch from the line up. In his stead is rookie Joachim Blichfeld, who will slot into the top line alongside soon-to-be All-Star Tomas Hertl and Evander Kane.
On the other side of the ice, the Canucks last played on Thursday night, defeating the division-leading Arizona Coyotes 3-1. They’ve gone 5-3-0, averaging more than three goals per game. The Sharks’ defense will have to be on its game tonight if there is any hope of shutting them down.
If it gets too bad, just remember: we’re about to be free for eight days. Suffering is only temporary.
Lines
SHARKS
Blichfeld is in for Sorensen, Dell back in net for the last #SJSharks game before the All-Star Break. pic.twitter.com/3Mx5lOTdVQ
— Fear the Fin (@fearthefin) January 18, 2020
Expected Scratches: Tim Heed, Marcus Sorensen
Injured Reserve: Logan Couture (fractured ankle), Dalton Prout (upper body)
CANUCKS (via NHL.com)
J.T. Miller — Elias Pettersson — Jake Virtanen
Tanner Pearson — Bo Horvat — Loui Eriksson
Antoine Roussel — Adam Gaudette — Brock Boeser
Tyler Motte — Jay Beagle — Brandon Sutter
Quinn Hughes — Christopher Tanev
Alexander Edler — Troy Stecher
Oscar Fantenberg — Tyler Myers
Thatcher Demko
Jacob Markstrom
Expected Scratches: Zack MacEwen, Jordie Benn, Tim Schaller
Injured Reserve: Josh Leivo (kneecap), Micheal Ferland (upper body), Tyler Graovac (lower body)
Where to Watch
Puck drop is at Rogers Arena at 7 PT/10 ET. Tonight’s broadcast will be available on NBC Sports California in the Bay Area and on CBC, SN, SN360, SN1 and CITY for the opponent’s market. Streaming will be available on NHLtv. The radio call will be on 98.5 KFOX or available to stream through the Sharks + SAP Center app.
As many of you know, Fear the Fin is an independent site run by Sharks fans for Sharks fans. Help keep Fear the Fin independent by contributing to our