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Vancouver Canucks Outlook, Predictions Week #21: Limbo

By David Joun

Feb 18, 2016; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks head coach Willie Desjardins watches the clock during the third period at Rogers Arena. The Anaheim Ducks won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2016; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks head coach Willie Desjardins watches the clock during the third period at Rogers Arena. The Anaheim Ducks won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 18, 2016; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks head coach Willie Desjardins watches the clock during the third period at Rogers Arena. The Anaheim Ducks won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports /

With just two games for the Vancouver Canucks this week, it is decision time for Jim Benning.

The Vancouver Canucks have just seven days to decide the fate of the 2015-16 season. Week #21 is deadline time for Benning & Co. as the Trade Deadline looms large with lots of unanswered questions heading into the final few games before the deadline.

Well, Benning has not unanswered the questions. The management is just refusing to deal with the questions, at least not on the media front. But those questions will continue to be answered. I would be 100 percent correct in saying that four consecutive 5-2 losses answered a lot of questions.

You know, with just two games and three full days in between the game on Sunday and the game on Thursday the Canucks better win on Sunday to make them feel good for the three days that follow. After the game on Thursday, they also have two days off until a divisional showdown against the San Jose Sharks on Sunday, which would also be the night before the NHL Trade Deadline.

It is here, and the Canucks are stuck in limbo. Are any assets worth anything right now, after four losses by scores of 5-2? Apparently there still is some hope for all who would like to see Radim Vrbata moved for anything in return.

Here are the storylines of the week.

After playing just one game last week, rookie Alex Friesen has failed to draw into the lineup ever since. He has not looked particularly good in the one game has played. Perhaps the 25-year-old will be moved as a “deal sweetner” when Vrbata gets moved…

  • Home cooking is drugged

This is ridiculous. The Canucks now have the worst home record (point percentage wise) in the entire NHL. With a home record of  9-13-5 (23 of 54 points, 43 point percentage), Vancouver just can’t believe how bad the Canucks are at home. Heck, even the Toronto Marlie Leafs (8-9-8 at home) have earned 24 of possible 50 points (48 point percentage)! Worse yet, the Canucks have five games at home upcoming.

  • Standings watch and the Deadline

The Canucks, with a loss against the Colorado Avalanche and a few other outcomes around the basement of the league, can fall as low as 25th in the league. If Calgary earns even a single point against Anaheim and if Buffalo beats Pittsburgh… playoffs are pretty much out the windows. Wonder how much the Canucks would be willing to sell. There isn’t much of value for the deadline.

But if the Canucks do win some games this week, it is a different story. As always. Just scared that the Canucks might pull a rental addition because.. Benning is Benning. Anyhow, here is the Week #21 Outlook and Predictions!

Next: Home vs. Colorado

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