The Canucks - February 4th, 2009

After coming off a solid 4-3 outing at G.M. Place, the Vancouver Canucks are not out of the woods yet. Sure they won, but a streak must ensue and become maintained if they have any hopes of gaining entry into the post-season for the 2nd time in 4 years. With 31 games remaining, and sitting in 7th place with 54 pts, the Canucks must win a large majority of games to outshine their bottom-dwelling, low-life peers. Now ya figure 95 pts will gain you entrance into the post-season dance, given past season figures. To get to the 95 point mark, the Canucks must muster up around 20 wins and a couple OTLs, 2/3 of their remaining games must be wins! To do this they must forget January all together, and look to the future. To do this, certain appearances must occur:

1. Bobby Luo must be ressurected.

Bobby Luo was evident, and in fine form during the pre-injury juncture. Luo was a top candidate for the Vezina trophy until the epic groin injury occurred. Since coming back Roberto has been dismal at best. His best outing was at San Jose a couple weeks ago, and then yesterday vs. Minnesota. Although it's well known he labours at the beginning of seasons/coming back from injuries, he must give it his all in these remaining 31 games. He is the one team's should fear most when they play the Canucks, not the Sedin Sisters, or Willie Bitchell. Roberto will have to post a little below 2.00 GAA in the upcoming games if the Canucks have any chance of gaining the 8th seed or higher.

2. The Sedins must SHOW UP!

These boys are turning into the sisters again. I don't think I've ever witnessed either of them deliver a punishing blow to a player on the opposing team...Some say they should be considered very solid 2nd line players, but I believe they have the potential to score 90 pts each. It's time to prove the nay-sayers wrong! Snipe some goals Henrik! Pass the puck Daniel! DO THE UNEXPECTED!

3. Sundin must lead this team.

In Toronto he logged around 20 minutes per game. With the Canucks he's averaging around 15 minutes. GET HIM MORE ICE-TIME! Especially after a solid performance on the newly concocted line of Kesler-Sundin-Demeech. If this line can feed off their solid play vs. the Wild, then they should be receiving 1st line ice-time. Sundin must be what Mark Messier never was in a Canucks uniform - a leader. I know, I know, Luongo has the C, but Sundin can definitely put in his 2 cents throughout the remainder of the season.

These 3 things must happen if the Canucks want to bid for a playoff birth. BELIEVE!

That is all.