The Canucks were a dismal 30-37-15-8 in Crawford's first full season with the team, and they went 8-23-6 the year before after Crawford replaced Mike Keenan behind the bench.

It doesn't help that the Canucks lost their emotional captain over the summer, buying out the contract of center Mark Messier, who promptly signed with the New York Rangers.

What has to happen

The Canucks need to carry the momentum of last year's strong finish (15-10-5 over the final 30 games) into the start of this season.

Felix Potvin, who hasn't had a winning record in five years, has to re-establish himself as one of the NHL's better goalies. He's been way too inconsistent in recent seasons. Potvin's backup is journeyman Bob Essensa.

Daniel and Henrik Sedin, the highly-touted twins from Sweden, must live up to expectations. They were drafted second and third overall two years ago, and the Canucks are counting heavily on their ability to make an immediate impact.

What can't happen

The Canucks are one of the youngest teams in the league, but they can't use age or inexperience as an excuse.

Markus Naslund, the Canucks' new captain, can't try to be another Mark Messier. Naslund is a terrific player in his own right, but there's only one Messier.

The mental approach

The Canucks should be better this year, but that doesn't mean they will be. How Naslund handles his duties as captain could go a long way in helping the team forge a new identity.

Noteworthy

RELUCTANT WITNESS: Donald Brashear isn't happy that Marty McSorley, the former Boston defenseman who clubbed him in the head with a stick last year, is on trial for criminal assault in Vancouver.

"I didn't sue him and I could have," Brashear said. "I really don't want to be involved, but I'm a witness and I'll have to be there. Reporters are asking me about the trial, and it's a bit of a pain."

Brashear suffered a severe concussion and only played in three games after getting whacked by McSorley in February. The NHL suspended McSorley for the rest of the season, and he has to meet with league commissioner Gary Bettman before he can return.

SALES LAGGING: Canucks fans aren't knocking down the box office doors to buy season tickets. The team only sold about 7,500 season seats last year and probably will only sell an additional 500 for this year.

The Canucks have missed the playoffs four years in a row and have reportedly lost over $120 million (CDN) over the past five seasons.