Canucks keep rollin'

Expectations were at an all time high heading into the season for the Vancouver Canucks this season.  Henrik had just won MVP, Ryan Kesler had a breakout year, and they addressed all their needs in the offseason.  The Canucks were a solid team last year, but had every single one of their weaknesses exposed in the postseason by the eventual Stanley Cup champions the Chicago Blackhawks.  Kyle Wellwood was the 3rd line center, and to me the difference in the series was the effectiveness of Chicago's 3rd line (Bolland, Byfuglien, etc.) compared to the ineffectiveness of Vancouver's.  With Manny Malhotra filling in for Well-fed this season, it is a significant upgrade.  Torres provides some much needed grit, and Tambellini has been a nice surprise this season adding even more offensive depth.  Shane O'Brien and Andrew Alberts were also exposed by Chicago in the playoffs, so Gillis responded by going out and getting Dan Hamhuis and Keith Ballard.  Another weakness in the playoffs was Luongo.  I am really liking what I have seen from him so far this season.  Under new goalie coach Rollie Melanson, Luongo is playing with much more confidence, and has changed his approach.  He is playing deeper in his net, using his big body and good positioning to keep pucks out of the net.  This also keeps him away from crease crashers like Byfuglien, and the Vancouver D is doing a much better job of clearing the front of the net allowing Lu to see the puck much better.  Not to mention, Corey Schneider is more than a capable backup, and if Lu gets lit up for 7 like he has in the last couple of playoff series Vigneault will definitely consider throwing in Schneider, I think he has that much confidence in him.  Last year Vancouver had the best home record in the league, but were mediocre on the road with a .500 record.  They are getting it done both at home and on the road this year.  They are #1 in the league in goals for, and in the top 5 in goals against.  Their power play and penalty kill are both top 5 in the league.  Plain and simple, this team is clicking on all cylinders offensively while getting solid D and goaltending.  With 77 points the Canucks are 9 points up on Detroit for first in the West, but whether they finish 1st or 8th this team's success this year will be measured on what they can do in the playoffs.