Game Thread - Canucks vs Oilers

We're almost there. A couple of days from now the preseason will be over, and at this time next week we'll be ready for the Oilers' regular season schedule to finally get under way. Tonight though it's a visit from everybody's favourite losers, the Vancouver Canucks, in the seventh of eight meaningless preseason games that will capture our attention. Hopefully nobody gets their jaw broken tonight.

When And Where

Same as last night, 7PM at the building formerly know as Skyreach Centre.

How To Tune In

The game is on TV. THE GAME IS ON TV.

REMINDER --> Tonight's #Oilers vs. #Canucks game will be broadcast on @Sportsnet SN360 while Saturday night's rematch will be on SN1.

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) October 2, 2014

What To Watch For With The Oilers

Yes, it's just against preseason competition and it's only been a few games, but Jesse Joensuu has outplayed Anton Lander so far in camp. As has Tyler Pitlick. And probably Steve Pinizzotto as well. A month ago I would have said that Lander would almost certainly start the season with the Oilers, especially with the uncertainty at centre, but it hasn't been a good camp for Lander at all, and if he want to make this team then he probably has to do something about that soon. Like tonight perhaps.

What To Watch For With The Canucks

From the people that bring you Nucks Misconduct:

Vancouver Canucks

Follow

Tonight, the focus will be on the line of Linden Vey, Nick Bonino and Alex Burrows. Vey has been likely the biggest surprise of the preseason for the Canucks, leading them in scoring and showing a very solid two-way game. Bonino's been alright, displaying some nice hands in a couple assists against the Sharks, and perhaps these two can help kickstart Burrows as he looks to get back on track after a disastrous season last year. Shawn Matthias will be on a line with Chris Higgins and Jannik Hansen. Vey has already switched his number, from 44 to 7, because he felt it was less flashy, good Saskatchewan kid that he is. It should be noted I did see at least one person bitching that he shouldn't use that number because of Brendan Morrison, thus reminding me why I hate a good chunk of our fan base so very, very much. Just stop.

Line Combinations

Edmonton Oilers

Taylor Hall - Ryan Nugent-Hopkins - Nail Yakupov
Jesse Joensuu - Leon Draisaitl - Teddy Purcell
Will Acton - Bogdan Yakimov - Tyler Pitlick
Steve Pinizzotto - Anton Lander - Kevin Westgarth

Nikita Nikitin - Mark Fayne
Darnell Nurse - Brad Hunt
Martin Marincin - Keith Aulie

Viktor Fasth
Ben Scrivens

Vancouver Canucks

Alex Burrows - Nick Bonino - Linden Vey
Chris Higgins - Shawn Matthias - Jannik Hansen
Hunter Shinkaruk - Cal O'Reilly - Nicklas Jensen
Tom Sestito - Bo Horvat - Derek Dorsett

Dan Hamhuis - Kevin Bieksa
Alexander Edler - Christopher Tanev
Luca Sbisa - Ryan Stanton

Eddie Lack