I expect to see Sanford, but if we do see Schneider, don't expect a shutout his first game. I expect a Vancouver win if we play Sanford, and an OTL if we play Schneider. I think Schneider looks great, but he isn't necessarily going to turn heads in his first few games.
Canucks didn't even play all that well throughout the last game yet they were 1 defensive gaf and 10 minutes from getting at least a loser point in the last one. I had a bad feeling about that game but I have a good feeling this time around.
The post game comments from most players seem to indicate they know they need to be better and this year they've actually responded, I expect them to be hyped for this game.
As excited as I am to see Schneider, I think Sanford will get this one but be one an extremely short leash like say 3 goals and he's gone.
RW Steve Bernier is day-to-day with a left shoulder and left foot injury
I knew about the shoulder but didn't know he hurt his foot. Maybe I missed that? With Raymond having strong games against the Flames maybe they'll tell him to rest if he's still sore? All speculation on my part but right now I would say he's doubtful.
I would love to see him play, his aggressive fore check was missed.
EDIT:
Canucks Nation Blog is saying Bernier feels like he's ready to play tonight.
This is a different team this year, the Canucks will bounce back tonight with a great game I have faith. I think it will be a very physical game, I hope Bernier is back he is a presence out there and you can really notice when he is not in the lineup.
Schneider is playing Columbus. AV already stated that.
According to this article he hasn't decided yet:
Quote:
Will it be Calgary or Columbus? Cory Schneider should find out this morning just where he will get his first NHL start.
Canuck coach Alain Vigneault told both his goaltenders Friday he hadn't decided who will start tonight's rematch with the Flames and suggested they both be ready to go.
"He gave me the heads-up today," Schneider said after Friday's practice at the Pengrowth Saddledome. "He just said he hasn't decided and he'll let us know in the morning, so be ready no matter what."
Top netminding prospect Cory Schneider makes his National Hockey League debut tonight against the Calgary Flames. The 23-year-old from Marblehead, Mass., was recalled from Manitoba of the AHL a week ago when Vancouver starter Roberto Luongo injured his groin and had been backing up Curtis Sanford.
"I just felt it was the right time for him to go," said Canucks head coach Alain Vigneault.
The decision to start Schneider was made before Sanford took a shot in the throat in the morning skate. Sanford left the ice but the injury is not believed to ber serious.
Schneider, a first-round pick in 2004, had sparkling stats with the Moose — a 10-1 record, a 1.37 goals-against average and a .945 save percentage.
I'm happy Schneider is playing because Sanford was shaken up this morning. I wouldn't want Cory to get in at the expensive of Curtis's confidence.
I hope Schneider does well, the Saddledome while not as wild as the Verizon or Bell center is a pretty lively arena to play in for a first start in net.
Luongo got a shutout last time he got hit in the next with a shot in practice, who says Sanford can't do the same? Either way, I don't know if I'm nervous or excited to see Schneider. I agree we should be OK as long as the team is better defensively than last time and finish on a couple more scoring chances than Thursday.
I'm happy Schneider is playing because Sanford was shaken up this morning. I wouldn't want Cory to get in at the expensive of Curtis's confidence.
Not true. It says the decision to start schneider was made before sanford took a puck to the throat. People need to stop worrying about sanford's confidence like he's some sort of baby. He's a backup and knows his role.
haha bad day for Sanford.... no start, and then getting that shot in the throat afterwards
anyways, I'm excited to see Schneider tonight and I expect him to be solid, despite everyone saying don't expect too much or you'll be disappointed
5-1 canucks...its 2-1 until the last 3 minutes where we pop in 3 on a bunch of PPs because Bertuzzi tries to start something against Kesler causing PANDEMONIUM!! i.e. Mitchell and Iggy end up fighting +++ ^^
