The Canuck Way
Fansided

The last time the Vancouver Canucks started 0-2, they made the playoffs

By David Quadrelli

CALGARY, AB - OCTOBER 05: Vancouver Canucks Defenceman Troy Stecher (51) looks on during the second period of an NHL game where the Calgary Flames hosted the Vancouver Canucks on October 5, 2019, at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, AB. (Photo by Brett Holmes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CALGARY, AB - OCTOBER 05: Vancouver Canucks Defenceman Troy Stecher (51) looks on during the second period of an NHL game where the Calgary Flames hosted the Vancouver Canucks on October 5, 2019, at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, AB. (Photo by Brett Holmes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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The Vancouver Canucks have lost their two games of the season. It’s far too early to hit the panic button, due to the reasons that this team hasn’t been able to find a win.

Not only did their season opener winning streak come to an end, but the Vancouver Canucks also lost their second game of this season, after being shut out by the Calgary Flames. It’s the first time the Canucks have started a season 0-2 since 2009-10. They lost their second game of the 2012-13 season in a shootout, but this is the first time the Canucks have failed to get a point in the standings through two games since 09-10.

The Canucks also played their first two games on the road in 09-10, against the Calgary Flames and the Colorado Avalanche. The Canucks were shutout by the Avs in their second game, much like they were this season, only this time, their shutout loss came at the hands of the Flames.

Additionally, the Canucks also dropped their third game of the season — their home opener. However, the Canucks would go on to finish first in their division and were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by the Chicago Blackhawks.

It may be hard to remember that this was the last season where the Canucks began their season by losing their first two games, because we’ve become accustomed to seeing the team do relatively well to begin seasons. Oh, the false hope we’ve been given.

This graph that I created a while back displays the Canucks’ winning percentages month by month the past four seasons. The green bar is last year’s team.

While you may be ready to hit the panic button, if the alternative to having a slower start to the year is securing a playoff berth as a result, there’s no reason to panic. The Canucks goal this season is to make the playoffs, and they’ll look to right the ship eventually.

With lots of new personnel in both their forward and defence groups, a change can be expected. These may be different teams, but the point remains the same, losing the first two games of the season is nothing to panic about. It’s a long season and these guys are going to do everything in their power to lock down a playoff berth.

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