The Vancouver Canucks blue line will have an added boost Friday when they take on the Tampa Bay Lightning, as defenseman Chris Tanev is set to return to the lineup after missing 20 games with a lower-body injury, the team announced.
Tanev last played Nov. 2 versus the Montreal Canadiens in a 3-0 loss for the Canucks. He also missed the previous three games with a lower-body injury, meaning he has appeared in just one of the club's last 24 games.
Tanev has scored one point in seven games this season. The Canucks, who sit last in the Pacific with a 12-16-2 record, hope Tanev's return can bolster their lineup and improve their postseason chances. Vancouver sits six points shy of a playoff position.
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