The Vancouver Canucks open the 2013-14 pre-season Monday night against, whom else, the San Jose Sharks.

This is where I go on a mad rant about the playoffs last season and my hatred for the Sharks, right?

Wrong.

New season. New team. New coach. New philosophy. And I’m wearing new underwear.

Biggest news out of Canucks morning skate is that Eddie Lack will start in net for Vancouver and he’ll play the first 40 minutes, regardless of performance, leaving Joe Cannata 20 minutes to impress in the third period.

Also of note, John Tortorella will not be behind the bench, he wants “to evaluate his players from above.” Mike Sullivan and Glen Gulutzan will coach the Canucks in Torts’ place.

Vancouver’s line-up is a mix of rookies and veterans; familiar Canucks should include Dan Hamhuis, Alex Burrows, Ryan Kesler, Chris Higgins, Dale Weise and Frank Corrado, while young guns and newcomers include Bo Horvat, Brendan Gaunce, Nicklas Jensen, Benn Ferriero and Pascal Pelletier.

For the Sharks, regulars Joe Pavelski, Scott Hannan, Adam Burish and Tommy Wingels are expected to dress.