VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- A funny thing happened to the Vancouver Canucks on their first extended road trip of the 2017-18 NHL season.
They did not just bond, as most teams attempt to do on the first travels. They won consistently, posting a 4-1 record.
That was not exactly anticipated from a youth-laden, rebuilding Canucks club expected to miss the playoffs for a third consecutive season. However, after passing one big road test, the Canucks (5-3-1) are now challenged with establishing more consistency at home, starting Thursday against the Washington Capitals (4-4-1) at Rogers Arena.