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Vancouver Canucks: 5 Players who Need to Step Up

By David Joun

Feb 4, 2016; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Linden Vey (7) celebrates his goal against Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Joonas Korpisalo (not pictured) during the first period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2016; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Linden Vey (7) celebrates his goal against Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Joonas Korpisalo (not pictured) during the first period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Problem No. 5: Alex Biega

Jan 23, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Alex Biega (55) moves the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Alex Biega (55) moves the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Problem No. 5: Alex Biega

With the exit of Yannick Weber, the pressure is on Alex Biega to start producing. After all, he is bumping Matt Bartkowski from the top-six. Just look at these stat lines and judge for yourself who is better suited to be in the Canucks’ lineup.

vancouver canucks
vancouver canucks /

After signing a two-year deal near minimal salary, Biega needs to now prove that he is worthy of his spot in the Canucks’ top-six. Can he provide the physicality that Bartkowski brought (92 hits, most on Vancouver’s blueline) while providing the offensive production that Weber could bring? His contract is not an issue. But his roster spot might become one.

After all, Biega is not as young as most think. He is 27 years old — older than Chris Tanev. In fact, Biega, Bartkowski, and Weber are all 27-year-olds. Biega isn’t getting this spot because of the youth movement that is the theme of the 2015-16 season. He better prove his worth.

The Bottomline

The real bottom line? The Canucks are four points out of the playoffs, fifth in the Pacific Division, and five points away from the very bottom of the league.

But should Biega, Virtanen, Burrows, Bartkowski, and Dorsett all do what all NHL-ers should do in the last months of the season, the Canucks have a legitimate chance of sneaking into the wild card spot.

They are not the only problems, of course. The Sedins are not producing much anymore, and Dan Hamhuis’s return is still a question mark. But with solid goaltending from Ryan Miller and Jacob Markstrom, there is no reason the Canucks can’t stay in the race till the 82nd game of the season. And that, was this week’s Canucklehead Lament.

Next: Canucks' Improved Roster Ready to Win

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below or on Twitter @FSTheCanuckWay!

*stats courtesy of hockey-reference.com

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