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Awaiting reinforcements, Canucks host Oilers

Dec 26, 2008 - 11:26 AM Edmonton (15-14-3) at Vancouver (19-13-3), 10:00 pm EST

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (Ticker) -- Coming off their most-lopsided loss of the season, the Vancouver Canucks can take solace in the fact that help is on the way.

The Canucks look to put an embarrassing 5-0 loss to the San Jose Sharks behind them Friday when they host the Edmonton Oilers.

Tuesday's setback against the Sharks dropped Vancouver to 6-7-1 since star goaltender Roberto Luongo went down with a groin injury. However, the team hopes to have its captain back soon.

Additionally, Vancouver made a splash earlier this week with the signing of veteran center Mats Sundin. The 37-year-old former Toronto Maple Leafs' captain is expected to join the club Saturday and likely will be ready to play by early January.

In the meantime, the Canucks will have to lean heavily on goaltender Curtis Sanford.

The 29-year-old was given the night off against the Sharks but, after rookie netminder Cory Schneider allowed five goals on 15 shots, he made a relief appearance.

Sanford turned away all 16 shots faced Tuesday and has allowed just 11 goals over his last five starts, but is 3-2-0 over that span as the Canucks' offense searches for consistency.

The Oilers have not played since defeating the Phoenix Coyotes, 4-2, on Monday. Sheldon Souray, who is second on the club in goals (nine) and points (23), scored the game-winner and snapped a nine-game goal-scoring drought.