from Ed Willes of the Vancouver Province,

So back to this question of identity. As it stands now, the Canucks are defined by mostly negative traits. They’re the team that can’t score. They’re the team that’s too easy to play against. They’re the team that doesn’t defend particularly well. They’re the team that doesn’t win very often.

Something, eventually, is going to give here, whether Desjardins is whacked or there are changes farther up the food chain. That’s starting to feel like an inevitability but before the Canucks do anything, first they have to decide what they are.

By now, they must understand no one is buying the notion this is a playoff team. What they can sell, however, is a coherent, consistent rebuilding plan that is committed to youth. In fairness, they’re moving that way with Troy Stecher and Nikita Tryamkin on the blue-line but it still makes zero sense to have Jake Virtanen in the press box when Jack Skille is dressed.

This approach isn’t going to change their season. But at least it would provide a clear message to the fan base. This is who we are. This is where we’re going. If they can find a style that works with the kids, so much the better.

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