Vancouver has been one of the in-between teams of the Western Conference for the past few years. The Canucks have had the offensive talent and the goaltending that one would think would add up to a top level team. But last year, the Canucks missed the playoffs.
Following the retirement of long time great Trevor Linden and the loss of former NHL scoring leader Markus Naslund, the Canucks needed to pick up some form of offense and veteran experience to fill the void. The Canucks may have found that filler in the form of Pavol Demitra. Demitra actually scored more points than Naslund last season, and if he can continue his recent streak of success, Vancouver may have found the piece they needed to make that final step. Forward Steve Bernier was also acquired from the Sabres during the offseason, and should help add depth to the Canucks lineup.
With star goaltender Roberto Luongo in between the pipes and a solid cast of goal scorers and defensive players, Vancouver should have what it takes to make it back to the postseason in 2008-09.
