BY ISRAEL FEHR – FAN FUEL BLOGGER
1. Falling out of First: For the first time since February 1,, the Vancouver Canucks are out of first place in the Northwest division. The Minnesota Wild have overtaken Vancouver after their 4-2 win on Sunday. Even though they’re even at 28 points, the Wild have the edge with 10 regulation/overtime wins to the Canucks nine and that’s enough to push them to sixth in the Western Conference. They’ve lost six of their last seven (four points gained) and have a goal differential of minus-nine over that span, in what is clearly their worst stretch of the season. Since 2008-2009, Vancouver has eased to four straight Northwest division titles. It appears that this season the Wild will pose a real threat to the Canucks crown.
2. Goaltending: Another first for Vancouver. Cory Schneider started in all three of the Canucks games this week (Tuesday-Monday), the first time that has happened since I started writing this weekly recap. It’s not that Schneider was especially horrible; he gave up just two goals in Thursday’s 3-2 shootout loss to San Jose and Thursday’s 2-1 OT loss to Columbus, it was that he was no more than average. Roberto Luongo returns to the net this week as it has already been announced that he will start against the Blue Jackets on Tuesday.
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3. Powered Down: The Canucks power play is an ugly 0-20 in the last eight games and has struggled to make an impact all season. They’re converting just 15 percent of their opportunities with the man advantage which is 24th in the league. Ryan Kesler’s absence is a factor, but the unit has lacked a spark despite numerous attempts to shake things up. Needless to say, without an effective power play, Vancouver is a much less dangerous team and it’s showing.
4. Don’t Blame the Twins: The current slide can’t be pinned on the play of the Sedin twins. Henrik Sedin is on a seven game point streak (nine points) while Daniel has contributed six points in the last seven. On the season, the Sedins are producing at a point-per-game pace and need more help from their teammates.
5. Bieksa Back?: Vancouver’s recent losing skid coincides with an injury to defenceman Kevin Bieksa. A groin strain has forced Bieksa to miss six of the last seven games and the one game he did suit up for was the 5-2 win over Los Angeles, the team’s only victory since February 22nd. Removing Bieksa from the lineup creates a serious hole in the Canucks defence, but he did skate with the team on Monday and all indications are that he will return to the ice on Tuesday in Columbus.