Last go for the Canucks this season in Edmonton

EDMONTON, AB (NEWS 1130) – The Canucks carry a seven game losing streak, and a hold on 29th place in the NHL into Edmonton for the season finale against the Oilers at Rogers Place. (6pm, SNET)

A 29th place finish ensures the Canucks the second best odds to win the top pick in this June’s NHL Draft. They would select no lower than fifth in this scenario.

Even a single point on Sunday puts the Canucks ahead of the Arizona Coyotes, and potentially the New Jersey Devils, who face the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday afternoon at 2pm. A 27th place finish for Vancouver could mean the Canucks draft as low as the 8th position.

With the tank scenarios settled, on the ice the team has recalled forward Yan-Pavel Laplante from ECHL affiliate Alaska. The Canucks don’t want to disrupt the Utica Comets or their playoff run at this point in the season. Utica is in action on Sunday afternoon.

The Oilers have quite a bit to play for on Sunday, as a victory over Vancouver coupled with an Anaheim Ducks loss to the Kings would give them the Pacific Division title. Connor McDavid is also two points shy of 100 for the season – the Oiler Captain already has the scoring title locked up.

One reason for Canuck fans to get excited for next season is the play of Brock Boeser. The 2015 first round pick has scored four goals in eight games, including a power play marker in the Saturday night loss to Edmonton.

“I think what happens (in the offseason) is for (Boeser) to learn what the NHL’s all about, and then it’s for him to do what he needs to do in the summer to play at this level.” Canucks head coach Willie Dejardins said last night.

There’s no guarantee Dejardins will be back behind the bench next season of course, but the captain insisted after Saturday’s game that those rumours haven’t knocked the players down.

“We are a tight group in here, and we’ve stuck together. It’s no difference with the coaches. They’ve been working with us, and trying to get the most out of this team.” Henrik Sedin said.

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