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Can Canucks Overcome Pettersson and Miller Beef for a Playoff Berth?

On paper, the Vancouver Canucks have a solid team. But their play is up and down? Can the Canucks make the postseason?

by
Old Prof
December 26, 2024

As the NHL season reaches its midpoint, the Vancouver Canucks find themselves in a precarious position: clinging to the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference. With 41 points (17-10-7) in 34 games and a .603 points percentage, the Canucks are narrowly ahead of the Dallas Stars, Calgary Flames, and other playoff hopefuls. But will they still be in the playoffs when the dust settles—or will they find themselves making early tee times this spring?

The Case for Canucks’ Fans Optimism

On the surface, the Canucks have the talent to make a postseason push. Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller (are they getting along or not) are key offensive contributors. Thatcher Demko has shown flashes of brilliance in the net. If the Canucks can continue to get solid goaltending and consistent offensive production, they have the firepower to keep pace with their competitors.

Moreover, the teams chasing them—like Calgary and Utah—have their challenges. Calgary’s inconsistencies and Utah’s middling scoring could allow Vancouver to solidify its position. On paper, the Canucks look good. But their playstyle is up-and-down. Sometimes they look like gangbusters, and sometimes they look lackluster.

The Challenges Ahead for the Canucks

However, as good as this team sometimes looks, there are reasons for concern. Reports of internal turmoil between Pettersson and Miller could disrupt team chemistry. If that issue isn’t resolved, it could spell trouble for a group already facing significant challenges on the ice.

Defensively, the Canucks have struggled to keep the puck out of their net. Their 3.12 goals-against per game ranks fourth-worst among Western Conference playoff teams and is only marginally better than the league-worst Colorado Avalanche in this metric. Unlike Colorado, which compensates for its defensive lapses with elite scoring, Vancouver’s offense (3.15 goals per game) doesn’t quite measure up.

The Canucks Face a Grueling Schedule

The Canucks’ road to the playoffs doesn’t get any easier after the holiday break. They face two lengthy road trips: a five-game stretch from February 22 to March 1, including matchups with the Vegas Golden Knights and Los Angeles Kings, and a six-game road trip in late March, with four games in the Eastern time zone.

Thatcher Demko Canucks NHL return — Can Thatcher Demko play well enough to push the Canucks into the postseason?

Adding to the challenge, Vancouver’s final stretch includes matchups against playoff-caliber teams like Vegas, Dallas, Colorado, and Minnesota. With so many games against top-tier opponents, the Canucks will need to bring their best every night to stay in the playoff race. To hang in there, their goaltending must be solid. Also, the defensive play in front of the goal must also be solid.

Can The Canucks Hold On to a Playoff Spot?

To answer the question: Will the Canucks still be playing hockey come playoff time? It could be a toss-up. The potential is there, but the path is steep. As is navigating a brutal schedule, internal cohesion, and defensive improvements are crucial. They’ll have earned their spot in the playoffs if they can rally and finish the job.

If not, Canucks fans may have to console themselves with another offseason of wondering what might have been. It’s up to the team to decide their fate: postseason glory or the early golf course reservations.