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Bieksa’s groin injury opens door for Barker’s Canucks debut

bieksa angry face

VANCOUVER, CANADA - OCTOBER 26: Kevin Bieksa #3 of the Vancouver Canucks looks on from the bench during their game against the Colorado Avalanche at Rogers Arena on October 26, 2010 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Vancouver won 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Kevin Bieksa

Jeff Vinnick

Weather issues forced the Vancouver Canucks to arrive in Calgary for Sunday’s game against the Flames later than anticipated, but that’s not the only challenge they’ll face tonight.

The team must cope without defenseman Kevin Bieksa, who’s out with a groin injury, according to Sportsnet’s Dan Murphy. It’s likely that Bieksa, 31, is still hampered by the same issue that sidelined him for two games in late February.

Injuries to players such as Bieksa have opened the door for Cam Barker to make his Canucks debut. The 26-year-old hasn’t lived up to the billing of being the third overall pick of the 2004 NHL Draft, but he’ll get his first chance to prove that he at least deserves to be an everyday player.

Many would argue that’s not the case.