I don't think anyones panicking about them pulling off an unlikely run leading to a playoff spot. But having an ok run and not being clearly defined as a seller at the deadline would be a disaster.
When does Montreal make up those games in hand? On paper the Canucks are just 4 points behind Montreal, but Monteal has 5 games in hand. So, IMO it's really about 8-9 points back if they go 0.500 in those games in hand. Again, it comes down to the 4 head to head games they have with Montreal this month, which are the last time they play them. Going 2-2 allows Montreal to maintain their lead with their games in hand.
Canucks are the first team to hit the half way mark of their 56 game season. I'm literally shaking my head seeing people here wine and complain after a win. Canucks were not going to lose all of their remaining games.
Reality is that the Canucks sit 22nd overall in the NHL today.
As I see it, Buffalo, Ottawa, Detroit, NJ are probably the 4 teams that I would put money down to finish below the Canucks. NJ has like 8 games in hand and are 8 points back, but having that many games in hand means a lot of games in a short period of time. Not a great receipe for making up ground.
The other teams behind Vancouver, Dallas is 6 back with 9 games in hand. Not sure when Seguin is back. But, like NJ, a lot of games to be played in a short period of time to make those games up. But,t hey can do it.
SJ, Anaheim, Nashville are close enough in points and games in hand that if I prorated their games in hand to be 0.500 they would be right there with the Canucks in points.
NY Rangers, are just a point back with 6 games in hand.
Realistically, the Canucks will finish anywhere from 5-10 from the bottom. Just have to wait for those teams behind the Canucks to make up their games in hand, which again, if they have more than 3, is going to mean a very heavy schedule with limited practices to correct anything that is wrong with the club.
