The Vancouver Canucks face a significant setback with the announcement that defenseman Noah Juulsen will miss approximately 12 weeks due to a lower-body procedure. While specifics remain undisclosed, reports indicate a sports hernia issue. This injury sidelines a player who has made substantial contributions this season, including over 100 hits and 60 blocked shots in just 35 games. Juulsen's absence not only depletes the Canucks' defensive depth but also impacts potential trade strategies ahead of the 2025 deadline, as he was a possible asset given his impending unrestricted free agency.

In Juulsen's absence, Victor Mancini, who was acquired in the J.T. Miller trade, is likely to seize more opportunities to showcase his skills. His integration into the lineup could be crucial as the Canucks navigate the remaining games of the season. Furthermore, Juulsen's injury raises questions about Vancouver's future plans, both in terms of on-ice strategy and roster adjustments.

Injuries are taking a toll across the NHL as several key players are sidelined. Anaheim Ducks' Brock McGinn recently underwent ACL surgery and is expected to miss 7-9 months. Isac Lundestrom's status remains day-to-day due to a lower-body injury while Trevor Zegras has returned from a meniscus tear. The Boston Bruins placed Mark Kastelic on IR, while the Dallas Stars welcomed Roope Hintz back to their lineup, but Mason Marchment remains out. In Nashville, Cole Smith has been activated from IR. The New York Islanders are dealing with Noah Dobson's absence due to a lower-body injury, with no return date set.

Meanwhile, goaltender Linus Ullmark of the Ottawa Senators was seen at practice but didn’t skate, and Ryan Poehling of the Philadelphia Flyers is recovering from a head injury. Toronto Maple Leafs' Connor Dewar and Max Pacioretty have also missed time due to injuries, with the team hopeful about John Tavares’ potential return to skating soon. Goaltender Anthony Stolarz continues to make progress after a knee procedure, and Vancouver Canucks are monitoring several players, including Noah Juulsen and Kevin Lankinen, who missed a game due to illness.

Nazem Kadri's decisive 14th goal propelled the Calgary Flames to a 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks, marking a significant moment in the NHL season. The Flames, now positioned in the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference, showcased their resilience with this win, having lost only once in regulation over their last seven games.

Connor Zary and Jonathan Huberdeau also contributed to Calgary's score, with Huberdeau sealing the deal with an empty-net goal. The Canucks, on the other hand, struggled to find their footing, managing only one victory in their last six outings. Brock Boeser was the standout for Vancouver, scoring the team's only goal and extending his scoring streak to four games.

The game was marked by physicality, with a series of fights erupting in the second period, including notable clashes involving Flames' player Ryan Lomberg. The match was further complicated for the Canucks, who were without their top scorers, Quinn Hughes and Elias Pettersson, due to injuries.

Rookie goaltender Dustin Wolf excelled for Calgary, making 23 saves and improving his record at home to an impressive 10-1-1. In contrast, Kevin Lankinen of Vancouver, returning from a brief absence, faced 26 shots and suffered his first loss in a while, dropping to 14-6-4.

The Flames' next challenge will be against the Utah Hockey Club, while the Canucks will try to bounce back against the Seattle Kraken.