The Vancouver Canucks will be looking to continue their strong play as they take on the Washington Capitals. The Canucks have been one of the hottest teams in the NHL over the past month, going 7-1-2 in their last 10 games. They currently sit in second place in the Pacific Division, just four points behind the first place San Jose Sharks. The Capitals, meanwhile, are coming off a disappointing loss to the lowly Buffalo Sabres. They currently sit in third place in the Metropolitan Division, but are only four points ahead of the fifth place New York Islanders. This should be a great game between two of the best teams in the NHL.
1. How the Vancouver Canucks can beat the Washington Capitals
There are a few things the Vancouver Canucks can do to beat the Washington Capitals. First, they need to use their speed and agility to their advantage. They should try to create turnovers and then quickly transition the puck up the ice. Additionally, they need to crash the net and create havoc in front of Braden Holtby. Finally, they need to stay out of the penalty box and limit Washington’s time on the power play. If they can do all of these things, they should be able to come away with a victory against the Capitals.
2. A preview of the Vancouver Canucks vs. Washington Capitals game
The Vancouver Canucks are set to take on the Washington Capitals in an exciting matchup. Both teams are coming off of strong performances and are looking to continue their winning ways. The Canucks have been led by their dynamic duo of Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser, who have been lighting up the scoreboard all season long. They will need to be at their best if they want to keep pace with the high-flying Capitals, who have been getting contributions from up and down their lineup. This should be a great game between two of the best teams in the NHL.
3. 5 players to watch in the Vancouver Canucks vs. Washington Capitals game
- Alexander Ovechkin: The captain of the Washington Capitals is always a force to be reckoned with. He’s one of the most dangerous scorers in the NHL and has a knack for coming up big in clutch moments.
- Braden Holtby: The Capitals’ starting goaltender is having another stellar season. He’s been a key reason why Washington has been one of the best teams in the league this year and will be crucial to their success against Vancouver.
- Henrik Sedin: The Canucks’ veteran leader is still going strong at age 37. He’s Vancouver’s top scorer this season and will need to continue his strong play if they want to keep pace with Washington’s high-powered offense.
- Daniel Sedin: Henrik’s twin brother is also still playing at a high level, chipping in close to a point per game for the Canucks this season. He’ll need to be on his game if Vancouver wants to have any chance against the Capitals.
- Troy Brouwer: _The former Capital returns to Washington as a member of the Canucks this year and will look to make an impact against his old team.
4. The history of the Vancouver Canucks vs. Washington Capitals rivalry
The Vancouver Canucks and Washington Capitals have been rivals since the early days of both franchises. The first meeting between the two teams was on October 9, 1974, with the Canucks winning 4-1.
Since then, the two teams have met each other 34 times in the regular season, with Vancouver holding a 19-12-3 record against Washington. In addition to their regular season meetings, they’ve also faced each other four times in the Stanley Cup Playoffs – most recently in 2010 when the Capitals beat Vancouver en route to their first ever Stanley Cup Finals appearance.
Although they haven’t faced each other as often lately due to being in different conferences, whenever these two teams meet it’s always an exciting matchup.
5. Some facts you didn’t know about the Vancouver Canucks
- The Vancouver Canucks were founded in 1945 as a member of the Pacific Coast Hockey League.
- The team has won the Stanley Cup twice, in 1915 and 1925.
- The Canucks play their home games at Rogers Arena, which opened in 1995 and is located in downtown Vancouver.
- The team’s mascot is a hulking Orca whale named Fin the Whale, who made his debut in 1997.
- In 2010, the Canucks lost to the Boston Bruins in the Stanley Cup Finals, becoming the first Canadian team to do so since 1994 when Montreal lost to New York Rangers.