Last year, the core group used that same painfully mediocre start to galvanize and focus the team. One of the most important voices during the turnaround was Malhotra's. One of the most important players who translated words into action was Kesler. He went on to score 10 goals in 15 games and the team never had to shoulder check for the rest of the season.

Kesler was able to go on that tear because for two reasons which don't exist now - he was healthy and had a checking-line centre in Malhotra who the Canucks trusted to shut down top forwards. This season, Malhotra's not even centering the third line. It's hit the Canucks deeply and on many levels.