Coming off one of their strongest performances of the season, the Canucks look to respond to last week’s loss to the Panthers

Vancouver Canucks vs Florida Panthers

Rogers Arena, Vancouver, BC

When: 7:00 PM PST

Where to watch: Sportsnet, Fox Sports Florida

Where to listen: Sportsnet650

SB Nation Game Hub

Opposition Blog: Litter Box Cats

There’s a bit of a buzz surrounding this game, as the Canucks look to take on the Panthers. Sure, this game means a heck of a lot more to Florida than the already out of the running Canucks, but there’s something about Roberto Luongo on the ice in Vancouver in February that just seems... magical. Rogers Arena was the site of one of the greatest moments in Canadian Hockey history, and Lu was a huge part of it, out-battling future Canuck netminder Ryan Miller to help Canada win gold at the 2010 Winter Olympics. Sure, it’s not the same, but there will always be fond memories of the greatest goalie this franchise has ever seen. I would recommend avoiding Canucks Twitter today (well, that should go without saying) for the horrendous takes on Luongo’s legacy with Vancouver. My view is this: He’s a sure bet hall of famer, and deserves to have his number retired, regardless of how the relationship deteriorated at the end. If they can do it for Pavel Bure, they can do it for Lu. Anyone saying he’s not deserving of the honour, or worse that Kirk McLean was a better goaltender is at best practicing historical revisionism.

As we write this, there’s a news conference that’s almost ready to go in Vancouver, and speculation is running wild it’s one of three things: Announcing a Gudbranson trade. announcing a Gudbranson re-up, or (god forbid) an announcement that they’re re-signing Jim Benning. We’ll have an update in the comments as soon as we know what the heck is going on and whether you should go streaking or start breaking stuff.

Philip Holm is the latest Utica Comet to get a call up with the IR now carting 5 names for the Canucks, and while it’s not a lock he’ll get into the lineup tonight, it would be a good thing to give him a chance to show he should be here next season. Holm’s been dynamite for Utica, and lord knows this team could use a player on defense who can actually do things offensively. As mentioned in the Roundup, Nikolay Goldobin’s name is not on tonight’s roster, leading to speculation that he’s been sent back to Utica again.

The Panthers are still a ways out in the battle for the last wild card spot in the East, but don’t tell them that. They’ve won 6 of their last 10 and are coming off a 7-5 win over the Oilers Monday night in Edmonton. James Reimer, who got the win Monday should get the nod if for some reason they decide Luongo’s not ready to go, but come on, we all know there’s no way Lu is gonna sit this one out.

Our pals over at Litter Box Cats have their pregamer up here, so pop in and say hello if you like.

GAME DAY BATTLE HYMN

It’s Valentine’s Day, so I got you something special. Nothing says I love you quite like new Napalm Death. From their upcoming collection of b-sides “Coded Smears And Other Uncommon Slurs” here’s “Oh So Psuedo”