and i don't mean that they're going to come out tentative and disorganized to start games. 

i had pretty much figured that it would take 3-5 games for them to settle in and the team to start clicking given the way the preseason didn't allow the team to ice their real lineup in any game but watching the game tonight and the domination of the puck by the canucks in the second and especially the third period i think you're seeing the results of all the biorhythm bracelets, diet plans and workout regimes that were initiated last year.  the flames looked gassed the whole of the third, often barely getting the puck out to the neutral zone before it came right back in.  the wellwood/bernier/o'brien diet has been talked about all preseason but there are a lot of other players on the team who have always taken conditioning very seriously and the lineup is top to bottom extremely fit, even in comparison to other nhl players.  and this is the net result of that, a team that wears down their opponents and takes over games down the stretch. 

it also shouldn't be understated that gillis has seemed to make a point of picking up very fitness conscious players this offseason.  samuelsson has a reputation as a workout machine, and erhoff is known for his fitness as well.  i was impressed with all the players that were in camp, there really wasn't a floater in the bunch.  it's a huge difference from the ponderous loads that were sundin and pyatt last year and i expect that to make a difference this season.  demitra and schneider better be on the bikes while they're rehabbing or they'll be well behind the play when they get back in.

tonight the canucks dug themselves too deep a hole and kipper was too hot to allow a complete comeback but as the season progresses i'm positive that the canucks will not be out-skated on many nights.  i'm very very happy with where the organization is headed.