from Ed Willes of the Vancouver Province,

The Canucks' last two losses, and their performance for most of this season, has started the unofficial watch on Desjardins and his future with team. Yes, the Canucks were undermanned and, yes, they're trying to integrate any number of young players into the lineup under difficult circumstances.

But it's the way they lost against the Wild and the Leafs which triggers the alarm bells. The team wasn't ready to play, again, on Monday night. For the most part it was flat and lifeless. All things considered maybe the losses are understandable and they'd be tolerated if the effort was there.

But it's been missing, along with any signs of growth, and that's a damning indictment for the organization.

The Canucks play six of their next seven at home and, in a happier time, that stretch was supposed to represent their best chance to get back into the playoff race. Now, it looks like they're playing for a couple of other things.

Self-respect is one. Their coach is another.

more