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VANCOUVER — Canucks defenceman Kevin Bieksa won't let a sore shoulder prevent him from playing Sunday against the Calgary Flames in a must-win situation for Vancouver.
Bieksa was injured Friday against the Minnesota Wild on an open-ice check by enforcer Derek Boogaard during a 4-0 loss that extended Vancouver's losing streak to four games at the most critical point in the NHL regular season.
The Canucks have dropped to fourth place in the Northwest Division and an eighth-place tie in the Western Conference standings with the Nashville Predators and the Edmonton Oilers.
Vancouver faces the prospect of probably having to win its last four games _ all at home at General Motors Place, while Nashville stumbles at least once. The Preds also have four games left and Edmonton only two.
Roberto Luongo and the Canucks face a big game Sunday night against the Flames as they battle for their playoff lives. (REUTERS)
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The tie-breaking formula for final placement includes the No. 1 priority of most wins, with Nashville and Edmonton having more than Vancouver.
Calgary plays its final four on the road as the Flames, tied with the Colorado Avalanche for second in the division, chase Minnesota, with the Wild holding a three-point lead atop the Northwest.
Bieksa is a key member of the Vancouver defence and has struggled in recent games after missing much of the season with a leg injury caused by a severe skate cut just above the ankle. Bieksa is minus-10 for goals scored at even strength when he's been on the ice during 30 games.
"It stings a little bit, but I'm ready to play," Bieksa said about his shoulder after participating in an optional morning skate. Only 11 skaters took part in the workout, plus goaltenders Roberto Luongo and Curtis Sanford.
The workhorse Luongo has been pulled in his last two starts, but figures to begin all remaining games.
Vancouver has a 4-2 record against the Flames this season, with Calgary winning the last two match-ups, including a 3-2 decision last week in Calgary after the Canucks led 2-0 lead after one period.
"It's happened to us a couple times in the last few weeks where we've had leads in the first period and kind of let down in the second period," said Bieksa. "Next thing you know it's a game again in the third. We definitely (need) a good start here on home ice.
"It's a cliché, but we know we need to play a full 60 minutes. We can't let down and let them back in the game."
The Vancouver defence has been riddled by injuries all season. Currently out of the lineup are defenders Mattias Ohlund (knee surgery), Aaron Miller (wonky shoulder) and Lukas Krajicek (broken bone in ankle).
Rookie defenceman Luc Bourdon returns to the Canucks lineup in place of Nathan McIver, another rookie.
Vancouver fans are anxious for a turnaround because the Canucks are defending division champions and team supporters earlier had visions of a longer run in the playoffs. The Canucks made it to the second round of the post-season a year ago.
"We know the situation we've put ourselves in," Bieksa added. "It's also a good situation (because) we control our own destiny somewhat. We know if we win the remaining four games that we have a really good chance of getting into the playoffs, so that's what we focus on.
"The (dressing) room's been good. We're putting the previous games behind us."
Bieksa had a long conversation with associate coach Rick Bowness during practice. Later, Bieksa indicated he talks with Bowness every pre-game skate about what needs to be done that night.
Most of the Calgary players rested back at the hotel before the game, with the pre-game skate limited to backup goaltender Curtis Joseph and two skaters.
After Sunday's game, Vancouver plays at home Tuesday against Colorado, Thursday versus Edmonton Saturday against the Flames. Calgary's road trip continues Tuesday at Edmonton, Thursday at Minnesota and back in Vancouver on Saturday.
