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Bieksa back for Canucks versus Preds

Kevin Bieksa

The Vancouver Canucks should get a key player back in their lineup tonight as defenseman Kevin Bieksa expects to suit up against the Predators at Rogers Arena.

Bieksa has missed seven of Vancouver’s last eight games with a groin injury, with the Canucks winning just once in the seven games he was sidelined.

“I’m feeling good now,” said Bieksa. “I’ve had probably five or six days of being pain-free so I think that’s a good thing.”

If he plays, Bieksa will replace Cam Barker, with Keith Ballard being the other healthy scratched defenseman.

Roberto Luongo will start in goal after stopping 26 of 27 shots in Tuesday’s 2-1 shootout win in Columbus.

The Canucks have also recalled physical forward Steve Pinizzotto from AHL Chicago. Head coach Alain Vigneault says it’s possible the 28-year-old, who’s currently en route to Vancouver, could make his NHL debut tonight.

Related: Vigneault feeling the heat