The Vancouver Canucks are coming off their most complete defensive effort of the NHL season, despite missing several regulars from the lineup.
And the Canucks will need something similar because winger Mason Raymond (hand) and defenceman Christian Ehrhoff (concussion) are expected to miss Wednesday's home game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Raymond and Ehrhoff were absent Sunday when the Canucks beat the Edmonton Oilers 2-1 and allowed just 12 shots, including just one in the final period. The Canucks plan no lineup changes against Columbus.
The Blue Jackets, behind former Canucks farm coach Scott Arniel, have slid to 11th place in the Western Conference, but are just two points behind Vancouver. Only five points separate second from 12th place in the West.
Daniel Sedin has points in eight straight games, while brother Henrik has scored in two consecutive contests.
"Without a doubt," Canucks head coach Alain Vigneault said when asked if Henrik Sedin had reverted to pass-first, pass-second and pass-third form earlier this season, when he wasn't scoring goals. "That like is more dangerous when all three are [shooting]the puck."
Henrik Sedin averaged slightly more than two shots per game last year, and scored a career-best 29 goals. He is averaging two shots per game this year, and has five goals.
Mathieu Garon is expected to start in goal for Columbus. He stopped 20 of 21 shots in relief of Steve Mason Monday, as the Jackets rallied to earn an overtime point with a 3-2 loss in Calgary.