Canucks' Boeser in lineup vs. Coyotes due to Joshua injury

Brock Boeser won't be a healthy scratch when the Vancouver Canucks take on the Arizona Coyotes on Saturday night, after all.

The winger will draw into the lineup due to a minor injury to Dakota Joshua, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

Canucks head coach Bruce Boudreau explained the reasoning behind Boeser's intended scratch earlier Saturday.

"Sometimes, tough love is tough love," Boudreau said. "I know he's capable of being much better. We want to win, and we need him, I think, over the long haul to win. But we have to be better. It could've been one of a few guys, but sometimes this is just something you have to do."

Boeser, who's normally a reliable secondary scorer, authored a nine-game point streak in November. However, he's been held without a point over his last three and managed only three shots on goal in that span.

"We did (this) earlier in the year with Conor (Garland), and he responded well," Boudreau said. "So I'm anticipating (because) Brock's a real good professional ... that he'll respond in kind."

Boeser collected 14 points in 18 contests this season but only has three goals - two of which he scored on the power play. The 25-year-old averaged 23 goals over the previous five campaigns.

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