Playoffs?

The western conference isn't easy anymore, and that's a real problem for the Vancouver Canucks.  Teams like L.A., Anaheim, St. Louis, Chicago, Colorado, and San Jose have all taken a massive leap since Vancouvers cup-run in 2011.  The Canucks have two 1st round playoff exits in the last two seasons, and based of this years performance, they could make it three seasons in a row (if they even make the playoffs).  Canucks GM, Mike Gillis, and his neck beard are under scrutiny after they did not trade forward Ryan Kesler during the trade deadline.  Kesler was supposed to depart the team before the deadline, but wasn't dealt because Gillis still believes that the Canucks will make the playoffs.

Lack Nation

After goaltender Roberto Luongo was traded to the Florida Panthers, the starting job was handed over to Rookie Eddie Lack.  Lack is having an amazing year in his first full season with the Canucks.  And as of right now, fellow Swede Jacob Markstrom (who was one if the Pieces in the Luongo deal) will be Lack's backup.  Now, don't get me wrong, I'm as big if a Lack fan as there is (I have his jersey) but I don't believe any goaltender should be a starter in their first full NHL season.  Lack is 1-2-1 since the Olympic break, but don't let the record fool you, he was lights out, and goal scoring was the problem.

Markstrom

Jacob Markstrom was acquired in the deal that saw franchise goaltender Roberto Luongo, head for Florida.  Markstrom is another Swedish goaltender, and yes, if you were counting that's three Swedish goaltenders in Vancouver's depth chart.  Markstrom is a towering 6 ft. 6 inches tall, and takes up a lot of the net.

An uneventful trade deadline

Mike Gillis was probably playing golf during the trade deadline.  He probably realized that the deadline was an hour again when he traded recently acquired defenseman Raphael Diaz to New York Rangers, in exchange for a whole 5th round pick.  Of course, Luongo was traded to the Florida Panthers, but this was on Tuesday, so it's already old news.

Kassian, Receiving Very Little Ice Time

Zack Kassian was under a microscope, the second he became a Canuck.  When he, and defenceman Marc-Andre Gragnani, were traded to Vancouver.  In return, the Canucks sent center Cody Hodgson, and defenceman Andrew Sulzer.  Hodgson wasn't happy with his ice-time with the Canucks.  But the return value was not adequate.  At the time, Vancouver was acquiring players that would play well against a team like Boston.  But that wasn't the case.  Since Kassian has been a Canucks, Vancouver has not made it past the second round, of the playoffs.  Kassian has not been on a line long enough to create any chemistry.  Whether it's first line with the Sedins for a day, or playing on the fourth line.

Kassian was drafted 9th overall by the Sabres', and at the time was known for his skill.  But since joining Vancouver he has been more of grinder.  And he isn't playing that role very well.  His job is to work the boards, and get into the dirty areas.  But he hasn't been playing that way.

The Canucks are still adjusting to changes, with a new coach, comes a new system.  And it seems Kassian has had trouble adjusting to the system.  Kassians' dump and change type of style has been over-shadowed by John Tortorella's high for-checking type of play.  Kassians' ice-time has been brought down by five minutes, since last season.  And some changes are on the way.