Maybe the Vancouver Canucks’ reason for their inconsistent play is that they only seem to get revved up when they are playing against hated rival teams. They didn’t seem to have a problem blowing out Calgary by 4 goals, and Chicago by another 4, but what happened between these two games where they posted back to back losses?

PHOTO CREDIT - VancouverCanucks.com

Vancouver - Nov. 10, 2011 - Maybe the Canucks’ reason for their inconsistent play is that they only seem to get revved up when they are playing against hated rival teams. They didn’t seem to have a problem blowing out Calgary by 4 goals, and Chicago by another 4, but what happened between these two games where they posted back to back losses?

Is tonight the night the Canucks break the habit of one win followed by two losses? Or are they going to continue the winning and post their second consecutive win for only the third time this season? The answer to this question lies in their 5 on 5 play.

The Canucks are coming off a three day “team bonding” break after their win in Chicago on Sunday and now face the struggling LA Kings. A team bonding break in Southern California isn’t the same as a team bonding break in let’s say North Dakota so it will be interesting to see how the boys come out after three days of sand, sun, golf, and general R&R.

Luckily for the Canucks, the Kings have a hard time scoring goals at home, with only 17 in 8 games so far. This is big plus for the boys and could just give the Canucks enough time to get out of golf mode and back into hockey mode. It will be important for the Canucks to get it going early tonight, and get on the score sheet first to get that adrenalin pumping again after the layoff.

The biggest hurdle for the Canucks tonight will be getting their collective 5 on 5 butts in gear, especially on defense! The Canucks are giving up far too many even strength goals and need to plug those holes quick if they want to continue on the winning side of the scoresheet. Even though the Canucks have so far been feasting on their opponents with their special teams play, they need to concentrate on shoring up the even strength play if they are going to be a dominant team like last year, and now is probably the best time to get it together. The Kings are struggling to score goals, so the Canucks 5 on 5 should be able to have their way with them if they can all get on the same page.

With Alexandre Burrows out of the lineup with back spasms, let’s see how Jannik and the Sedins play on the number 1 line together. Granted, the Sedins can make any linemate play better, but will the chemistry be there? Only time will tell. Even more interesting to watch will be seeing if the dynamic duo of Ryan Kesler and David Booth finally get it lit up! It’s only a matter of time before they do, and I hope it’s sooner than later.

Let the winning continue with a slaughter in L.A. boys! Let’s burn it down.