Canucks Aim to Regain Momentum Against Struggling Blue Jackets
The Vancouver Canucks are heading into their matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets looking for a spark — something to reignite their early-season momentum and restore faith among fans who’ve started to grow restless. It’s been a tough start to the 2025–26 season for Vancouver, and the team knows it. With a record of 7-8-0 and just one multi-game win streak through 15 contests, the Canucks have been hampered by inconsistency, injuries, and a power play that’s just not clicking the way it should.
This weekend’s game against the Blue Jackets might be exactly what they need. Columbus, sitting at 7-6-0, hasn’t been much better when it comes to special teams. Their power play ranks 25th in the league with a 16.1% success rate, while their penalty kill has struggled even more — 30th overall at just 68.4%. They’ve managed only five goals on the man advantage and have allowed 12 while shorthanded, tying them for the eighth-most goals conceded in those situations.
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Vancouver, on the other hand, sits 19th in power play efficiency and an alarming 31st on the penalty kill. That combination has cost them dearly in tight games. But with both teams struggling in these areas, this could be the perfect setting for the Canucks to finally find their rhythm again.
Head coach Adam Foote will be forced to make adjustments, as Vancouver continues to deal with a long list of injuries. Thatcher Demko remains sidelined for maintenance, while forwards Teddy Blueger, Jonathan Lekkerimaki, Nils Hoglander, and Filip Chytil are all out with various injuries. Still, players like Elias Pettersson, Brock Boeser, and newcomer Evander Kane will be expected to step up and drive the offense against a Columbus team that’s been just as inconsistent.
On the Blue Jackets’ side, coach Dean Evason hinted that lineup changes could be coming as a few players are “banged up.” Forward Sean Monahan, who recently returned to practice after leaving a game against Calgary with an undisclosed injury, could play a key role if he’s ready to go. Meanwhile, defensemen Zach Werenski and Denton Mateychuk are expected to anchor the blue line, with Elvis Merzlikins likely getting the start in net.
For the Canucks, this game is more than just another regular-season matchup. It’s an opportunity — a chance to regroup during their four-game homestand and remind everyone that they can still compete at a high level. Last season, the two teams split their series, with Vancouver going 1-0-1. Now, as they meet again at Rogers Arena, all eyes will be on whether the Canucks can capitalize on a vulnerable opponent and finally turn the corner.
Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. PT — and for Vancouver, this could be the night that everything starts to click again.
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