from Tony Gallagher of the Vancouver Province,

While the television folks pontificating from Toronto were all exercised over the selection of Eddie Lack over Ryan Miller as the starting goalie for coach Willie Desjardins, this first kick in the stones from the reality of life in the real NHL illustrated a number of real issues with which the Canucks must deal.

First and foremost is the depth on defence. When the top four are healthy the back end is pretty good. But with Dan Hamhuis seemingly not himself after taking that stick in the yob Friday night in Edmonton with no penalty called, this team definitely misses Jason Garrison.

Hamhuis struggled terribly, skating at times and trying to move the puck was an awful ordeal, most particularly on Steven Stamkos’ second goal when he couldn’t get it out of the zone while wearing a full cage. He was minus three on the night and always struggles the first few games of any season, but we know he’s not the problem....

Luca Sbisa has been nothing short of laughable as Garrison’s replacement. At one point, again in the third period, he actually centered the puck in front of his own goal, something he did in the preseason to the disbelief of all. Whether he’s going to settle down and play better is unclear, but they can’t keep him in the lineup much longer if this act persists.

Further, the collective foot speed of the group is not the best and can be exposed at times.

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