CrashingTheGoalie

by Ron Spence

According to numerous pundits, the Canucks are in a hole. They have 24 points to show for 23 games, and are in 11th place in the Western Conference.

Columbus holds 8th place with 27 points.

The experts tell us that the Canucks will need to win 60 to 65% of their remaining games – to make the playoffs.

To me, that’s too abstract. The team has to break down the remainder of the season.

I have coded the rest of the campaign – showing who they play, and how many times.

Vancouver will be playing 15 Eastern Conference and 44 Western Conference games.

Looking at their toughest competition, Vancouver will be fortunate to win 2 of 4 games against the Sharks and 1 against the Wings and Hawks – which is just .500 hockey.

But, they can take 26 or 28 – of 40 points – from the Oilers, Flames, Preds, Wild and Yotes.

They can also take 12 of 18 against the Jackets, Ducks and Kings, and should be able to total 8 points – of the 12 – against the Blues, Stars, and Avs.

In the East, Vancouver has to worry about New Jersey, Philly, Pittsburgh and Buffalo. The good news is that both Buffalo and Pittsburgh will be playing in Vancouver and the Canucks will have the last line change.

But, the nucks should take 18 to 20 – of the potential 30 points – against Eastern Conference teams.