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Canucks to retire Linden's No. 16 before facing Oilers

Dec 17, 2008 - 11:22 AM Edmonton (14-13-2) at Vancouver (17-11-3), 10:30 p.m. EST

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (Ticker) -- The Vancouver Canucks seek their first winning streak of the month on Wednesday when they take on the Edmonton Oilers for the second time in three games.

After a four-game losing skid, the inconsistent Canucks have alternated wins and losses for the last five contests.

They suffered a 3-0 loss to the Oilers on Saturday. Before that shutout, Vancouver had earned at least a point in six straight games in Edmonton.

The Canucks will retire Trevor Linden's No. 16 prior to the start of the game, making the him the second player to receive such an honor from the franchise.

Stan Smyl, a former captain and member of the Canucks from 1978-91, had his No. 12 retired.

Linden, who announced his retirement on June 11, ranks second in team history in goals (318) and points (713), and first in assists (415) and games played (1,140).

Vancouver is also caught up in the swirling rumors of landing coveted free agent, Mats Sundin. Sundin, a nine-time All-Star, is expected to announce Thursday whether he'll play for the New York Rangers or Canucks for the rest of the NHL season.

Canucks general manager Mike Gillis met with Sundin's agent, J. P. Barry, on Tuesday and said the 37-year-old star center is close to making up his mind.

Edmonton, meanwhile, has won four of its last six games. However, the Oilers' solid play of late sure did not show in their last game, a 9-2 drubbing by the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday.

They allowed nine goals in a game for the first time since losing, 9-4, to the Los Angeles Kings on December 28, 1992.