Let’s just get right at the question I keep getting asked. Article content

Yes, this team is a playoff team. But that’s as much about the rest of the Pacific Division as it is about the team itself. Article content Article content

As we saw Thursday, the Calgary Flames just aren’t that good. Neither are the San Jose Sharks — heck their owner admitted this week that the team is still a year at least away from a return to the post-season.

The Anaheim Ducks remain a perpetual work in progress and the Seattle Kraken keep changing their coach. By default the Canucks are at worst the fourth best squad in the division. There are four playoff spots to be had in the division.

And given they have Quinn Hughes , they can always punch higher. Especially if Elias Pettersson returns to pas

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