The Game Starts In The First Period

Much has been made of the Canucks' sorry 2-8-1 record against fellow Northwest Division teams. They enter tonight's game two points behind the Flames, who have three games in hand. Vancouver can ill afford to throw away too many more points against division rivals.

"It's going to be a big, big game," said Vancouver centre Henrik Sedin, echoing his coach. "If it's not a must-win game, it's pretty close to a must-win for us."

Tonight's game is the first of four the Canucks will play against the Flames between now and Jan. 2. Anything worse than a split in those four games could be devastating to their playoff ambitions.

"Obviously all points are important, but divisional games are that much more important," said centre Brendan Morrison. "I think winning these games goes that much further to getting teams where they want to go and that is to the playoffs. You look at the last several years and the difference between the team that does get it and those that don't is three or four points. You win two games against one opponent in your division and that's the swing right there."

The Canucks have already lost two games to the Flames this year. And now Calgary comes to GM Place on a major roll. The Flames have been unstoppable at home recently, winning 10 in a row to set a franchise record. Jarome Iginla has been lights out with a six-game goal streak. After tonight, the Canucks will meet the Flames three more times in the following three weeks.

Vigneault said tonight is a pivotal game for Vancouver, as he's hoping his team can win back-to-back games for the first time since they won three in a row Nov. 17-22.

• I know I haven't been the kindest to Jan Bulis this season but I'll give credit where credit is due - I like how he's making the most of his opportunity to play with the Sedins. Now he knows what Anson Carter felt like last year.
• Josh Green and Rory Fitzpatrick may play tonight.
• Kevin Bieksa's play is certainly being noticed around these parts. Here's another spotlight piece on him, this time from Iain MacIntyre (Vancouver Sun).
• The Canucks aren't playing pretty hockey right now (Barry Macdonald, 24 Hours). Do you care if, at the end of the day, it earns them a playoff spot?