Pushing for the Playoffs

After a complete meldown yet again in Denver on Wednsday, the Vancouver Canucks are a mere 2 points ahead of the Nashville Predators for the 8th and final playoff spot in the Western Conference with five games to play. 

Their most recent debacle has led many to doubt that the Canucks have the potential to make an extended run in the playoffs after a season which began with such promise. 

At the beginning of the season, things looked great for the Canucks after a gutsy '06-'07 season with career years from franchise players like Henrik and Daniel and unbelievable numbers from Roberto Luongo.

Many believed that things would keep getting better for a very talented group of players. 

Despite not suferring any major losses over the last offseason, the Canucks future looks anything but bright at the moment, with Morrison and Ohlund out for the remainder of the regular season.

Things are beginning to look bleak for these Canucks. Even timing is working against them; Luongo's pregnant wife is due soon, which means that Luongo could miss a game soon. 

If the Canucks want to make a run this year, they need to quit messing around now. 

With several veterans such as Naslund, Linded, and Morrison seemingly in their final games with the Canucks and possibly their careers, the Canucks have to find a way to come together to try and roll back the years. If they don't, the city of Vancouver will suffer something it has been all too common: disappointment. 

I see the Canucks sneaking in as the 8th seed, but should they be fortunate enough to make it I don't see their postseason trip lasting too long.

Should they finish eighth, I see Luongo stealing a game or two from the Red Wings, but in the end, the Canucks are simply too battered and do not have the depth that the Sharks, Stars, and Red Wings have to make a serious run.