Ray Bourque, Bruins 4. Eric Lindros, Flyers 5. Devils Though Bure hasn't backed away from his trade demand, Messier has already started using his noted powers of persuasion. He's had a tough couple of years, but the most important thing is that he wants to rebound and have a great year. Bure isn't the only question mark on Vancouver, which was perhaps the NHL's biggest bust last year, suffering from internal strife and missing the playoffs.
Defense is a big concern.
The Canucks allowed 3.30 goals per game last season, which left them tied for fifth worst in the league. Part of their problem lies in net, where Kirk McLean has been a disappointment since shining in the postseason three years ago. In the meantime, Messier continues to establish himself as de facto captain. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.