from Ed Willes of the Vancouver Province,

Opinion: If they’re going to be taken seriously as a contender, they must call on that level of commitment on a nightly basis for the rest of the season
This is the reality of the NHL season.

On Tuesday night, the Vancouver Canucks dropped a 2-1 overtime decision in a five ice-bag game against the defending Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues. Afterwards, the Canucks agreed they’d passed a significant test in a game that was played with playoff intensity. But they also get to enjoy that moment, to say nothing of the impressive start to their season, about as long as it takes most people to sneeze.

Their next test comes Thursday night in Chicago. Then it’s Friday night in Winnipeg. Then they’re home two nights later to begin a four-game stand where they play every second night. Then they’re on the road for six more, which brings them to the end of November, or about the time the season starts getting interesting.

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