Game #8: New York Rangers vs Vancouver Canucks Open Thread

The road trip out west continues for the Rangers tonight, as the team has crossed Canadian provincial lines from Alberta to British Columbia and arrived in Vancouver to take on the Canucks. Peter Laviolette’s squad will look to make it four wins in a row against a Canucks team led by Elias Pettersson that mirrors the Blueshirts’ 5-2-0 record, although underlying metrics suggest Vancouver’s strong start may be one of the smoke and mirrors variety.

Smoke and mirrors are not, the Rangers will need a good effort in order earn another two points. The annual western Canada trip is one the team is usually hard pressed to sweep, but one more win tonight will accomplish that feat.

Player to Watch: Jimmy Vesey

As one of two former Canucks on the 4th line (the other being Nick Bonino), Vesey will look to lead the effort in holding Vancouver’s offense. The Rangers have been strong defensively on this road trip, ceding only two goals combined in its previous three games. Another strong defensive effort ought to be enough for the Rangers to leave Vancouver with a win.

Enjoy the game!