How many elements do the Vancouver Canucks need to battle? Untimely injuries, crazy NHL scheduling, suspicious officiating against… the list seems to go on and on. As we head into the NHL holiday break until Boxing Day, let us take time to appreciate the bits of joy and intrigue — perhaps lost in the midst of all the struggles and battles — from the first 36 games of the 2015-16 season.
Battling: The Injuries
The Canucks were hit with injuries to all sorts of players. Just looking at the injuries that kept the players out for multiple games, top defenceman Chris Tanev was out for two games.