The Maple Leafs have not won a game in Vancouver since November of 2003

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Lost a little in the excitement of Retro Night – where the Vancouver Canucks will wear the beloved ‘flying skate’ sweaters against the Toronto Maple Leafs – is the possibility of three straight regulation victories for the home side after a successful road trip in Colorado and Arizona.

Canucks captain Henrik Sedin is set to pass Trevor Linden as the franchise leader in games played, but was also asked about the team’s latest injuries on Friday after practice. Both Alex Edler and Brandon Sutter are out for extended stretches.

“It’s been a tough year. Just injuries, and scheduling-wise, and everything, it’s been one of the tougher years I’ve been a part of if you look at those things.”

Henrik did add that the group is looking forward to this one in front of one of the better atmospheres of the season at Rogers Arena – it always is when the Maple Leafs are in town. Toronto hasn’t won a game in Vancouver since November 2003. Mike Babcock’s club is also in the race for the right to draft Auston Matthews in June’s entry draft after a run of 12 losses in 15 games.

With the injury to Alex Edler, it gives others more of an opportunity. That includes Yannick Weber, put on waivers a week ago, the blueliner is now back with the big club.

“It’s been a strange week. A bit of a roller coaster.” Weber said on Friday.

“At first you’re upset about the situation, and then you’re trying to do well in Utica, and then all of a sudden you’re right back (in Vancouver) and in the lineup.”

While the Canucks continue to talk postseason amidst this ‘competitive rebuild’, they are only three points back of a wild card spot in the western conference, and nine points clear of the league basement.

You can see the game at 4pm on CBC. The Canucks will host the Minnesota Wild on Monday to continue the home stand.