Vancouver Canucks Forced to Remain in Carolina Due to Weather Conditions
The Vancouver Canucks had a tough time both on and off the ice on Friday in Carolina, which led to them staying overnight in Raleigh.
Rick Tocchet's group continued their five-game road trip on Friday night with a stop in Carolina to face the Hurricanes.
Vancouver got some great news prior to puck drop with the return of Thatcher Demko and Elias Pettersson from their respective injuries.
Demko was given the start by Rick Tocchet, while Elias Pettersson slotted in on the top line, but the additions of the duo weren't enough as the Canucks dropped their fourth-straight contest.
Vancouver Canucks forced to remain in Carolina due to weather conditions
After the game, the Canucks were supposed to get on a flight for Toronto for Saturday's tilt against the Toronto Maple Leafs, but some weather in the area halted those plans.
According to Thomas Drance of The Athletic and Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman, the Canucks remained in Carolina following their 2-0 loss due to weather and travel delays.
Drance reported around 7 am PT this morning that the team was expected to be heading to Toronto shortly, which would get them into the Ontario capital with just hours to go until puck drop, a situation that could affect their play tonight.
Puck drop in Toronto at 7pm tonight. Tough spot for the club to travel day of on the second leg of a back-to-back." Drance said.
A couple hours later, Elliotte Friedman confirmed that the Vancouver Canucks were enroute to Toronto, while sharing that the team will be facing Dennis Hildeby, who gets the start for the Maple Leafs.
Canucks are en route from Carolina. Could not leave last night due to icy weather. Tough travel for them" Elliotte Friedman reported.
Kevin Lankinen is expected to get the start between the pipes for the Vancouver Canucks tonight, with puck drop set for just after 4 pm PT on CBC and Sportsnet.
