Scouting the playoff race: Vancouver Canucks

What a year it's been for the Vancouver Canucks. Riding their way to a playoff spot behind a solid young core and offense galore. The young team is atop the Pacific Division, with fans in British Columbia rejoicing.

But they might have to face the defending champions in the first round. The Vegas Golden Knights loom and are rolling at the right time. So let's look at things from a Vancouver perspective. What makes this team so great? What are the Canucks' weaknesses that could hurt them?

2. The case against the Vancouver Canucks

In terms of special teams, the Vancouver Canucks are average at best. Their penalty kill is tied for 15th in the NHL at 79.6%. Before Sunday's game against the Anaheim Ducks, Vancouver converted just 14.8% of their power plays in the last nine games. If the Vegas Golden Knights can turn their power play around, it goes a long way in equalizing the potential match-up.

This Canucks team is also younger. They're missing starting goaltender Thatcher Demko (knee) from the lineup, making matters more complicated. If Demko's knee isn't healed up by the playoffs, that can spell doom for Vancouver in the playoffs. If the Vegas Golden Knights DO face the Canucks, it gives their team a chance to showcase their newfound scoring depth.

3. The verdict

In a potential match-up between these two teams, the Vegas Golden Knights are the more experienced group. They've played together longer and have dealt with more adversity than the Vancouver Canucks. That can benefit the Golden Knights greatly come playoff time.

However, one shouldn't discount the Canucks for being the newer kids on the block. With a plethora of scorers like Hughes, J.T. Miller, and Elias Pettersson, Vancouver is a dangerous team. They can be a tough match-up for any team if they can turn around their special teams.