The Vancouver Canucks knew heading into the 2006-07 campaign that goals would be at a premium for their once offensively dominant hockey club. That said, no one could have predicted that their struggles would come in such a frustrating manner as it has this year. They have consistently out-shot opponents only to be let down late in the game or be stymied the opposition’s netminder.

The team’s scoring ineptitude has led head coach Alain Vigneault to have to juggle lines in a constant effort to discover some form of chemistry which has seemingly created an even more difficult situation here on the West Coast. Gone are Anson Carter’s 33 goals, as are Todd Bertuzzi’s 25, but perhaps more importantly his presence also left out the back door following his departure to Florida.

Dave Nonis did an admirable job trying to fill the holes via free agency by attempting to construct a balanced, well rounded club, as opposed to one centered on a few players. His acquisitions, outside of Taylor Pyatt, have yielded little results. Jan Bulis, a 20 goal scorer last season, has eaten as many bags of popcorn in the Canucks press box as he has put pucks across the goal line, while Marc Chouinard has yet to bulge the twine himself.

Ryan Kesler, whose fancy new $1.9 million contract created much buzz throughout the league, has only been good enough for one goal. To further the problem, the Canucks have been hobbled by injuries on their backend to both Sami Salo and Willie Mitchell and were for two games forced to dress three of their AHL defensemen.

However, there is some light at the end of the tunnel for this hockey team as their injuries have exposed a strength that no one new existed, perhaps even their most loyal fans – defensive depth. Both Alexander Edler and Patrick Coulombe have been tremendous so far in their brief stay with the big club. Edler has provided rock-steady composure on the point while Coulombe has energized teammates with his offensive prowess and ability to run the point on the power-play. To further the discussion, when you add to the fact that Kevin Bieksa is only 25-years-old and consider Luc Bourdon in the mix, despite his demotion to juniors, this team looks legitimate on the back end for years to come.

Roberto Luongo has been nothing short of spectacular, despite a few gaffs, and has given Vancouver a post to lean on – something you could argue this franchise has never had. No one expected this team to go out and light the lamp at deadly rates as they did in the early part of this decade, but there is promise.

How often are you going to throw 30+ shots on net and only put two behind Mike Smith? Eventually something has to give, and once this team matures, and gains some confidence, the Canucks could be back atop the Western perch.