CanucksBuzz: Ryan Kesler a Game-Time Decision Against Sharks

San Jose---Jan. 3, 2010, the Vancouver Canucks fly into San Jose on Monday to battle the San Jose Sharks at the HP Pavilion.

Starting goalies for tonight are:

Canucks: Cory Schneider: 6-0-2 record this season. For complete stats, see NHL.com Player Info

Sharks: Antti Niemi: 9-9-2 record this season. For complete stats, see NHL.com Player Info

Going into Tonight:

Canucks in last 17 games: 14-1-2. Best in the NHL.

Sharks in last eight games: 6-2-0. Pretty solid. On a two-game winning trend.

Game-Time Decision:

Ryan Kesler took a shot off the foot last night. He is a game-time decision for the game against the Sharks.

Joseph's Take:

The Vancouver Canucks had the best record in the NHL in December and are leading the NHL standings with 53 points in the standings with 37 games played. Detroit and Philadelphia also have 53 in 39 games.

Cory Schneider is coming off a game stealing performance against the Dallas Stars, a 44 save performance. Tonight, he will be looking to shutdown Heatley, Marleau, Thornton, Couture, Pavelski and Clowe.

Mason Raymond should get more ice time this game. Last night, he played on the fourth line centered by Alexandre Bolduc. Bolduc registered one goal and one assist; Raymond scored a goal.

Sami Salo continues to practice with the team, but has no timetable for his return. Look for late January or February for his return. He needs time to get into his rhythm.

Thanks for following the Vancouver Canucks.

Joseph Trenton

@ Joseph Trenton