>Save a screen shot, as proof it was once so. If history is any guide it won't last long :(
>
>They're certainly one of the top teams. At the moment, the Canucks, Flyers, and Red Wings all have 53 points. Vancouver really whipped the Flyers the other night.
>
>Luongo as a goalie is good...sometimes very good, but not great. They have a balanced attack, but always seem to get man-handled in the second or third round by Chicago or (going back further) Anaheim.
>
>I don't know what to make of the Western Conference. Detroit has a ton of fire power, but their goaltending is so-so.
>
>I don't pay close attention to the NHL until March.

Vancouver has at least 2 games in hand on all the other teams that currently have 53 points. 9-0-1 in their last 10.

Luongo IMHO is actually a disappointment. He was stellar early as a Canuck, got signed to a huge contract that basically takes him to retirement, and it's like he's just cruising now. On average he's good but inconsistent, he can have a shutout followed by a stinker.

Vancouver has had solid defense for a long time but lacked offense. That's the biggest change this year, they're getting real production from new/young forwards. They have 3, arguably 4 lines that can score.

IF (big if) they can hold it together for the rest of the season they should do well in the playoffs. Next year though, the newly productive forwards will want more money so who knows what will happen with the salary cap.