Game notes: Canucks VS Habs

Vancouver Canucks head coach Travis Green confirmed some changes to his lineup ahead of tonight's game against the Montreal Canadiens. Defenseman Chris Tanev, who was injured in last night shootout loss against the Toronto Maple Leafs, will miss the game. Travis Green stated that he will need dental surgery after losing a "lot of teeth" after he received a puck to the face. Green believes that Tanev will play again during this trip, but he'll know more after the surgery. 

Green also added that forward Sven Baertschi, who was sidelined since December 9th with a fractured jaw, will be back in the lineup tonight, as he will take the place of Nikolay Goldobin. Baertschi, drafted 13th overall by the Calgary Flames in 2011, was acquired via trade by the Canucks in 2015. He played 236 games in the NHL so far, registering 111 points. In 30 games played this season, the Swiss forward has eight goals and ten assists for 18 total points. Goldobin, 22, was drafted 27th overall by the San Jose Sharks in 2014. The Canucks acquired him from San Jose at the trade deadline last season, in a deal that sent Jannik Hansen to the Sharks. In 12 games with the Canucks this season, he has two goals and two assists. He had 19 points in 18 games in the AHL before he was called up. 

Defenseman Ben Hutton will be back in the lineup to replace the injured Tanev. Drafted 147th by the Canucks in 2012, Hutton has six points and 14 penalty minutes in 37 games played this season. In 183 games played with Vancouver so far, the 24-year old defenseman has 50 points. 

Finally, coach Green confirmed that Anders Nilsson will get the start in Montreal tonight, which makes sense giving the fact that the Canucks are playing their second game in 24 hours and that Jakob Markstrom played last night. In 14 games with Vancouver this season, the Swedish netminder has a record of 6-6-1 with a 3.53 goal-against average and a .900 save percentage.

The Canucks are currently seventh in the Pacific division with a record of 16-19-6.