CANUCKS FIRST PRESEASON CASUALTY

Canucks' Rick Rypien has become the first notable casualty of Vancouver's pre-season. Rypien, who is trying to make the club as a fourth-line energy player, sprained his right thumb in a fight Friday night in Anaheim and will likely miss the remainder of the exhibition campaign that concludes Saturday. - Vancouver Sun

Rypien has been one of Alain Vigneault's favorite during training camp and has all but guaranteed a spot to start the season. He made his NHL debut for the Canucks against the Edmonton Oilers in December last year and scored his first NHL goal on his first shot in the first period.