NHL Matchup - November 20, 2007

These Northwest division rivals, both sporting injury-riddled defense corps, clash Tuesday night at Rexall Place, where the Canucks have not lost since October, 2006.

Between them, the teams have seven regular d-men out due to injury or suspension. The Canucks are missing Mattias Ohlund (serving the second of a four-game suspension), Kevin Bieksa (calf) and Sami Salo (nose), who could return to the lineup during the Canucks current road trip. The Oilers are without four injured blueliners: Matt Greene (ankle), Joni Pitkanen (knee), Mathieu Roy (shoulder) and Sheldon Souray (shoulder).

Head-to-head, the Canucks are 7-2-0-1 over the past 10 meetings with the Oilers, and are 5-1 SU in their past six games in Edmonton. The teams met last week in Vancouver, when Edmonton skated away with a 1-0 shootout win and both goalies picked up shutouts. 

Vancouver beat the Calgary Flames 4-1 at home in its last game Sunday, while the Oilers lost 3-1 to the Flames at home on Saturday.

Vancouver is 5-1 SU in its past six games, 6-2 SU in its past eight on the road, and 7-1 SU in its past eight against Edmonton.

The Canucks will start Roberto Luongo in net, although backup Curtis Sanford is expected to get a start on this road trip. The Oilers will start Mathieu Garon, who shut out the Canucks last week in Vancouver.

Betting Line: Vancouver is a 150-moneyline favorite at BetUS. The over/under is 5.