The Vancouver Canucks and Philadelphia Flyers have been performing well, but Adam Proteau questions if their success will last. Both teams have exceeded expectations, possibly due to the influence of John Tortorella. However, the concern is whether they can maintain their current level of performance. The Canucks have had a mixed season, with a 10-2-1 start followed by a 6-7-0 run, before bouncing back with a 6-0-1 streak. Their next 10 games are challenging, with most being away from home, and they will need to improve their road record to fend off the Los Angeles Kings and Vegas Golden Knights. While the Canucks are likely to make the playoffs, the question is whether they can win the division or face a tough first-round matchup. Goalie Thatcher Demko has been a key player for the Canucks, but his workload will need to be managed carefully. The Flyers have been impressive, winning seven of their last eight games and sitting only four wins behind the New York Rangers in the Metropolitan Division. They have a strong defense, conceding just 2.61 goals per game, and have been successful on the road. Overall, both teams have given their fans plenty to cheer about, but their long-term success remains to be seen.
The Flyers need to improve their offense, as their current 2.61 goals-for average puts them in the bottom 10 teams in the league. They cannot rely solely on their defensive abilities to fend off competition from other teams in their division. GM Daniel Briere may need to make tough decisions regarding some veterans who may not be part of the long-term plan in Philadelphia. The Canucks are more likely to maintain their current pace throughout the season, but both teams need to stay healthy to avoid losing streaks that could push them down in their respective divisions. While both teams have been impressive so far, we anticipate a possible downturn in their performance as the season wears on. Coaches Tocchet and Tortorella will need to keep their teams competitive, but it remains to be seen if either team has what it takes to be a true Cup contender. Ultimately, how they handle the challenges of the season will determine their success, but fans can take comfort in seeing them set a high bar for themselves early on.
