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.

Canucks VS Panthers Game Review

Winning, its something the Canucks have had a hard time doing, as of late.  Going just 1-4 in their last five games, with their last win being a 4-0 victory against Toronto.  "Puck Luck", as John Tortorella calls it, hasn't been good to them, adding "The bounces just haven't gone our way".  Now unlucky bounces have been the story for Canucks, in the last five games.  But they must find a way to patch this sinking ship, and fast, as the conferences have changed.  With changes in the league, comes tougher teams for the Canucks to face.  Florida has had a less than normal season, so a Canucks victory should be in order.

                                                    Floridas' Point Of View

Aleksander Barkov was the second pick in last years draft, and Florida felt he was mature enough to step into the NHL immediately.  With four goals and right points in twenty two NHL games, Barkov had proven he's NHL ready.  Jonathan Huberdeau was Floridas first pick in 2011, this is his first full year in the NHL.  Huberdeau, and Barkov are the centrefolds of Floridas big re-build.  Florida is looking to turn thing around soon, but re-build don't happen overnight.  Hopefully the Panthers' organization will take their time with the team, and build up the proper way.

                                               The Luongo VS Thomas Rivalry

It's pretty clear that Roberto Luongo and Tim Thomas do NOT like each other.  After a Stanley Cup Final that saw Luongo lose to Thomas's Bruins, the two have been dog-on-bone at each other.  

Thomas was traded to the Islanders, and signed by Florida the following year.  He hasn't played in Vancouver since the Stanley Cup Final in the 2010-2011 season.

                                                                   Injuries 

Dale Weise is expected to return to the Canucks lineup, and Jordan Schroeder is still out with surgery.  Ed Jovanovski is the only injured player, on Florida.