Tanev (ankle) has a chance of playing Friday's home game against the Lightning, per coach Willie Desjardins.

EDGE Analysis

While there is certainly nothing definitive behind this statement, it's an encouraging sign for the hard-nosed defender's likelihood of playing after he's missed the last 20 games to this injury. Should he suit up Friday, Tanev will likely slot back into one of the top-two defensive pairings where he is desperately needed -- the Canucks are averaging 3.10 goals allowed per game, the fourth-highest in the league.