The two biggest story lines coming into this matchup with he St. Louis Blues is the long awaited return of Derek Forbort, but especially all-star goalie Thatcher Demko.
Demko is set to make his first start in goal since April 21st, where he suffered a brutal injury to the popliteus muscle in the first-round of the playoffs against the Nashville Predators.
The next biggest story line heading into this game regards the return of defenseman Derek Forbort, as he suffered a lower body injury in early November, just a week after returning from a leave of absence after the death of his father Keith.
It cannot not come at a better time for the Canucks as they are hurting badly in the depth department, especially with the recent injury to Filip Hronek.
With Forbort returning, he has taken the spot of struggling d-man Vincent Desharnais on the 3rd pairing.
Full Vancouver Canucks Projected Lineup Vs the Blues
Forwards
DeBrusk. Pettersson. Boeser.
Joshua. Suter. Garland.
Höglander. Blueger. Sherwood.
Sasson. Räty. Heinen.
Defense
Hughes. Myers.
Soucy. Juulsen.
Forbort. Brännström.
(Scratched)
Friedman. Desharnais.
Goalies
Thatcher Demko
Kevin Lankinen
With Demko between the pipes, and Forbort back on the blue line, the Vancouver Canucks are rocking a new look in many fronts, and clearly are poised to get a major jump in renewed energy against the Blues.
All eyes will be on Demko, as fans and media judge to see his capabilities after his long recovery.
POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 10 | 342 ANSWERS Vancouver Canucks Make Decision on Derek Forbort as they Announce Changes to Lineup for Matchup with Blues Does Thatcher Demko or Derek Forbort make a bigger impact in tonight's matchup with the St. Louis Blues? | ||
Thatcher Demko | 284 | 83 % |
Derek Forbort | 58 | 17 % |
List of polls |