Battle of the backups in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (NEWS1130) – The Vancouver Canucks will give the start in goal to backup goaltender Cory Schneider when they continue their six-game road trip in Minnesota tonight.

While Roberto Luongo has struggled against the Wild at the Xcel Energy Center (3-9-2), Schneider won twice last year in Minnesota and was in goal on October 22nd for the Canucks’ 3-2 overtime win over the Wild.

Minnesota will also play their backup, Josh Harding tonight and are coming off back-to-back wins over the Detroit Red Wings. Harding was in goal for both games, stopping 72 of 73 Red Wings’ shots.  

Canucks winger Daniel Sedin enters the game tied with Pavel Bure for fourth in goals scored in team history with 254; he trails Stan Smyl for third by eight goals. Daniel and brother Henrik tonight will also join Maurice and Henri Richard and Bobby and Dennis Hull as the only brothers to have played 800 or more games for the same team.

Canucks are hoping forward Ryan Kesler will finally find his scoring touch. Kesler has just one goal in seven games this season, but he has enjoyed success against Minnesota in his career, scoring 18 times in 42 career games versus the Wild.

Vancouver will be seeking a season-best third-straight win and their fifth in a row over the Wild. The Canucks have scored 12 goals in their last two games but it should be a low-scoring game, given their history.

Faceoff is 5 p.m.

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