It was a disappointing start to the season for the Vancouver Canucks.  Which is hard to believe given their 35-11-9 record to date, sitting first place overall in the NHL.  

Roberto Luongo looked shaky, as though he was on his way to becoming another casualty in whats known as Vancouver’s goalie graveyard.  But is working his way back into the mix, has solid numbers and is beginning to challenge as a Vezina trophy candidate.

Emerging superstar Ryan Kesler was another Canuck to have a very slow start, and experts all over the NHL were stating that he had peaked last season where he scored 79 points.  Now he sits 2nd in the NHL in goals.  Kesler has not only been lighting the lamp, but he owns a +23 rating, kills penalties, is responsible for checking the top scorer’s on the opposing teams, and is a key face off man.  All this being on Vancouver’s 2nd line, and dealing with a mix of underachieving line mates all season long.  

The Sedin Twins are proving that they belong amongst the most elite of company in the NHL.  They sit 2nd and 3rd in points.  Daniel, who missed a large part of last season with an injury, leads his brother Henrik, reigning Art Ross Trophy Winner, in points.  The Canucks top power play unit, which features Kesler and the Sedins up front, has been the league’s top power play for a good portion of the year.  Alexander Edler and Christian Ehrhoff have been the 2 defensemen anchoring that unit from the back end.

Injuries have plagued the Canucks so far this year, making it even more impressive that they’re doing so well in the standings.  They’re without Alexander Edler, Keith Ballard, and Dan Hamhuis on the back end alone to date.  Sami Salo is scheduled to make his return to the lineup saturday night against the Calgary Flames, a time that can come no sooner to the ailing Canucks’ blue line.

The good news is that both Ballard and Edler are expected to be back in time for playoffs, which are almost a given, considering that they have a 15 point cushion, and two games in hand on the division, let alone the final playoff spot.  The bad news is that Hamhuis is out indefinitely with a concussion.  There is no timetable for his return.  That could mean that the season is over for the veteran defenceman, but speaking optimistically, Mike Gillis and the Canucks organization believe the injury is not that severe, and he will return this season.  

Although many would recall that Sidney Crosby’s concussion was considered to be a day-to-day injury, and he has been out for the past 16 games, with no guarantee he’ll be back this season.  Concussions are a dangerous thing, and in today’s NHL, they are being treated seriously with the alarming amount of headshots.

Not only has Luongo turned his game around to be one of the best goaltenders in the NHL, but backup Cory Schneider is proving that is more than capable of playing at this level.  He is generating a lot of attention with his extremely poised play and is helping the Canucks have arguably the best goaltending tandem in the league.  

What the future holds in store for both Schneider and the Canucks remains to be seen, but if the Canucks do decide to move him, they should acquire some good assets in return thanks to his strong play and future potential.  Those same characteristics could tempt Vancouver into keeping him to see how he develops, especially considering he is under contract until the end of the 2011-12 season, where he is set to become a restricted free agent.

Forecast for the rest of the season:

As the trade deadline approaches the Canucks have some questions they have to face.  Is their team strong enough that they don’t make a move? Do the injuries to key defensemen make it necessary to acquire another defenseman? Do they risk the team chemistry by making a move?  

There is no right answer.  But the Canucks have already proven that they’re more than capable of dealing with the curveballs that have been thrown their way already.  Should they acquire another defenseman, and all everyone becomes healthy, they would have 9 defensemen competing for 6 spots every night.  They could use that cap room, plus whatever asset(s) they give up to acquire that defenseman, much more wisely.

When you look up and down the Canucks’ roster, you can’t see many holes.  The struggles shown by the wingers on the 2nd line, have been overshadowed by Ryan Kesler, and as much as it would be nice to upgrade Mason Raymond, that is not likely given he contract and age.  The only glaring hole one could perhaps see, is on the Canucks’ 4th line.  They could use  a 4th line centre, a veteran with playoff experience, maybe a Stanley Cup ring to his name, who can be a key face off man, play tough minutes, and provide leadership down the stretch.  Look for Mike Gillis to make a move closer to the deadline as this is the best shot the Canucks have had, and likely will have to win the Stanley Cup for the foreseeable future.  Not to say that this is now or never by any means, however.

Look for the Canucks to struggle at times while their defensive depth is challenged, but then finish the season strong as they become healthy.  While the Presidents Trophy is not an impossible accomplishment, it will be hard to win considering the Philadelphia Flyers strong play as of late, and their teams’ health when compared to the Canucks.  The Canucks should be able to hold off the Detroit Red Wings, who sit 7 points behind them, for 1st place in the Western Conference.  Should the Canucks finish 1st in the conference, they will have a 1st round date with a team most likely on a roll, as there is fierce competition in the west for the final playoff spots.

There is arguably no team in the NHL that is stronger all the way down the lineup and should beat the Vancouver Canucks in a 7-game series.  Luongo has looked lost at times in prior playoffs’ series, however, since he has given up his captaincy, and he is no longer tagged as the teams’ franchise player, there should be less pressure on him, which should translate into a much more successful post season for him.  Not to mention, Cory Schneider can step in and play should Luongo show any signs of struggles.

If everything goes to plan, the Canucks should be the last team standing come June.  However, every team can say that, but who else has as good a chance? And what are your predictions for the Canucks, and the rest of the playoffs as we wind down the regular season?

Jordon Judge

HockeyGods