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Sundin could make debut when Canucks face Oilers

Jan 7, 2009 - 11:32 AM Vancouver (21-15-5) at Edmonton (19-16-3), 10:00 p.m. EST

EDMONTON, Alberta (Ticker) -- Mats Sundin may have the chance to end the recent struggles of the Vancouver Canucks.

Less than one month after signing with Vancouver to end a prolonged period of limbo as the market's most coveted free agent, Sundin could make his debut Wednesday, when the Canucks visit the Edmonton Oilers.

The Edmonton Journal reported Tuesday that Sundin's season debut may be moved up from Friday after the 37-year-old skated hard at practice in Vancouver the previous day. The Canucks are not expected to give Sundin clearance, though, until Wednesday's morning skate.

Sundin, who will join fellow Swedes Henrik and Daniel Sedin to round out one of the most talented trios in the league, will have his work cut out for him right away. Vancouver is in danger of losing its third game in a row - its longest skid since dropping four straight from November 27-December 4.

Edmonton, however, is riding a two-game winning streak and has posted a 5-2-0 record in its last seven contests.

The Oilers are coming off a 3-2 victory over the New York Islanders on Monday during which veteran goaltender Dwayne Roloson improved to 10-1-3 when allowing two goals or fewer this season.

Currently in a stretch of playing 11 of 14 games at home, Edmonton has won four of its last five at Rexall Place.