Crosby invades Vancouver notes and thoughts

Last time Sidney Crosby showed up to GM Place, Vancouver fans witnessed one of the best games they had ever seen in that rink. Hopefully, that magic can be recaptures, but slightly changed in the direction of a Canucks win. Here's some game day insight to think about leading up to tonight's game.

--- Jim Jamieson of the Province's White Towel blog gives a good overview of Crosby's thoughts on his last stop in his current western Canada road trip.

--- According to Brad Ziemer, among others, Pavol Demitra is slated to make his season debut tonight on the third line alongside Kyle Wellwood and Jannik Hansen. Kind of an awkward, unconventional third line, I could see Mikael Samuelsson ending up on that line just to add a little more grit to the third line, and hopefully more offense to the second line with Kesler and Raymond. Remember how good Kesler and Demitra were last season, alongside Mats Sundin? Ziemer also writes that the Canucks are trying to put the media firestorm behind them.

Are the Canucks rushing into the return of Demitra? It looks like it. I remember reports from a couple months ago saying he was out for the year. But what can you do? Steve Bernier, Alex Bolduc and Ryan Johnson are all grinder type guys, and all are hurt.

--- Thought: Alex Ovechkin is most likely sick of seeing other people atop the points standings. Especially Swedes and Canadians. This is probably why he scored a goal tonight, while adding four more assists (Jesus Christ). Think this might light a fire under Crosby? Canucks better hope not.

--- Jim Hughson, a guy we all miss here in Vancouver, makes a point that this game isn't just about Crosby anymore, as it pits two potential Hart Trophy candidates together in Crosby and Henrik Sedin. My take? It's pretty crazy that two guys that have been known for their precision passing and ice vision (or, they get a lot of assists) have become goal scorers. I read yesterday that Crosby is on pace for around 50 goals, 11 more than his previous high of 39. And Henrik, too, has been filling the net much more than we're used to. This one will be a good math-up between the two, but knowing Vigneault's line matching, we won't see much of it.

--- Thought: I can pretty much guarantee there won't be a fight tonight. Colin Campbell is going to be watching coach Vigneault's every move after Derek Boogard accused Darcy Hordichuk of telling him that Vigneault was sending players out to fight. The Canucks don't need any more controversy. Why? Because in the midst of it, they've lost three straight.

But what better way to get back on track than to beat the defending Stanley Cup champs? Might as well win it.