from Dave Hodge of TSN,
Despite a fairly successful season after sweeping changes to the front office and the coaching staff, it is thumbs down to the Vancouver Canucks' less-than-rosy outlook for next season and beyond. Concern begins with their inability to defeat Calgary in the first playoff round. Entering this season, the Flames were not one of the teams that should have concerned Vancouver. Now it may be safe to say the Canucks will have Calgary to worry about, and maybe to chase, for a good long time.
And last night’s loss will leave a mark. No one expects Los Angeles and San Jose to suffer again as they did this season, and I know you've heard this before with other names attached, but Edmonton is on the verge of something big if Connor McDavid and Peter Chiarelli deliver as expected. Anaheim would appear untouchable at the top of the Pacific Division, and Arizona probably remains at the bottom.
Can the Canucks expect to do as they did this season and finish ahead of the Flames, Kings, Sharks and Oilers? Is it possible they will not finish ahead of any of them? You wonder if the Canucks have gone as far as they can go with a lineup that relies on the Sedins to lead them in scoring.
Is Ryan Miller their starting goalie when next season begins? And there are more questions. The Pacific Division wasn't its usual strong self this season. It should look plenty strong when Vancouver contemplates the future.
continue for some praise for Mike Babcock...
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