Higgins nearing a return

--The Canucks will face a roster decision when LW Chris Higgins returns to the lineup in the near future. Higgins was bothered by foot and hand infections in early and late December and developed flu-like symptoms when taking antibiotics for them. His medication has since been changed.

--The Canucks went with the same lineup for the third straight game. As a result, winger Mike Duco was in action again after being called up from Chicago of the American Hockey League for the second time this season. He replaced Dale Weise, who continues to be sidelined with a foot injury suffered Feb. 7 in Nashville.

--Coach Alain Vigneault used Cody Hodgson in a shootout for the first time since his goal in the penalty-shot segment gave Vancouver a win over Edmonton before the All-Star break. Hodgson picked up where he left off, scoring on former Canucks G Jason LaBarbera.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"I feel strong on the puck again and well-balanced out there. It's fun coming to the rink when the team is winning and you are playing well. I am really enjoying it. It was a process, but I am really excited to be a Canuck now, and I think it's showing." -- Canucks RW David Booth, who has 10 points in his last nine games after struggling to recover from a knee injury and adjust to a trade from Florida early in the season.

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