Vancouver has performed good enough this year to sit in 5th place at the halfway mark, five points ahead of the Blue Jackets in the 9th spot. Not bad, but, of course, it?s all about the playoffs. It?s too early to tell if Mats Sundin can make them a legitimate threat to the big two San Jose and Detroit, but for now we can take a look at how the current Canucks have performed so far. Offense It all starts with the Sedins. They?ve proven to be consistent point-a-game players, able to work a decent power play and are not too shabby defensively. The knock, however, is how they perform when needed most. They have not demonstrated enough game-breaking ability to be effective first-line players on a championship team. They have limited experience in the post-season and could eventually turn it around. Free agent pickup Pavol Demitra has been slightly inconsistent but a fairly good pickup at only $4 million. His puck control and vision have proved very useful on a squad that has lacked truly skilled offensive weapons. Like the Sedins, Demitra is very complimentary to a team but is not a game-breaker alone. Ironically enough, the twins achieve a new level in the few times they have been teamed with the smooth Slovak, giining the zone with ease, looking very dangerous, and finally playing as a three man line. Kyle Wellwood has been very effective on the power play with his superb skills and nice shot. He?s proven to be a quality top six player and has been most productive in the past when moving to Sundin`s wing but has actually looked better with the Sedins as of late. Steve Bernier and Taylor Pyatt have shown to be bottom six players in their 40 games this year. Similar in size and disappointment, Pyatt looks to be gone after this year, but Bernier could pick up his game as he?s looked effective on the third line with Kesler and Burrows, who seem to have reminded him that he?s at his best when playing a power game. Speaking of the third line, it has been fantastic this year. Kesler has tailed off a little in the past ten games but seems to be regaining his form. He makes many great defensive plays each game and can chip in timely goals, as well. His partner-in-crime Alex Burrows has shown remarkable poise with the puck, continuing to play above expectations year after year since his ECHL days. He?s not quite a top six guy but is as good as you could ask for his present role. A healthy Ryan Johnson has contributed to a very effective fourth line: blocking shots, playing physical, and providing great speed. Hordichuck has filled the enforcer role adequately, with Hansen/Bernier/Wellwood all taking their turns when coach Vignault sees fit. As for youth, Mason Raymond and Jannik Hansen have been the main stories this year. Raymond has the most offensive upside with far better patience, vision, and a little more acceleration. He?s shown the ability to beat defenders one-on-one and score with a fairly decent wrist shot. He is still learning the pro game and is often rubbed out on the boards, guilty of not utilizing his teammates. For a majority of the season, Hansen has looked good with Burrows and Kesler and not completely out of place in a brief stint with the Sedins. He`s on pace to finish ahead of heralded prospects Kyle Turris and Steve Stamkos. Defense The Canucks' formerly elite defensive core has started to show a lack of speed and a disturbing trend of injuries. Ohlunds' production has declined but consistently provides good puck movement, above average defense, and drops the gloves when called upon. Alexander Edler is continuing his development and will one day be a top 2 offensive d-man but still suffers some painful mistakes in his top four role. Known as a pre-lockout defensive stalwart, Willie Mitchell has surprised with an increase in foot speed this year. He continues to play a tough, power game on the back end, with limited offense but loads of leadership. Bieksa and Salo have again been struck with injuries, with Bieksa suffering the lesser of the two. Leading the defense in points, he remains the best puck rushing option. Rounding out the bottom pairing, Shane O`Brien (brought over in a trade with Tampa) has played a tough, sometimes too aggressive game, leading the league in penalty minutes. He still possesses some upside but needs to control his temper. Rob Davison and Lawrence Nicholat are capable depth defenseman, stepping in when the oft-injured Vancouver defense core requires, with the former filling a physical role and the latter a little more finesse. Goaltending It?s Roberto Luongo`s team, as long as he?s healthy. Although some have accused him of not playing up to former levels, it is actually more indicative of playing in front of a defensively competent team. No longer required to stop 40 shots a night in acrobatic fashion, it?s boring but still arguably the best on the planet. Luongos' absence has been filled with backup Curtis Sanford, young phenom Cory Schneider, and new Canuck Jason LaBarbera. Sanford has been consistent and unspectacular. He can backstop a game in a pinch but rarely makes the big save and has let in some softies. Schneider, on the other hand, carries himself like a pro wanting the call but is still too young to carry the full load. Canucks' GM Mike Gillis has shown a curious lack of faith in Schneider when Sanford went down, immediately trading for Jason LaBarbera to shore up the goaltending situation. It has proven a shrewd move as LaBarbera has served up a few performances more than good enough to hold the fort until Luongo makes his return, which should be any day now. Outlook If Sundin works out, they should have three effective lines, elite goaltending ,and a fairly decent, if slow, defense. To approach the upper echelon of the Western Conference, they will need a defenseman who can provide transitional support and a finishing winger. Sundin was a great move/experiment, requiring no commitment. But Vancouver needs to take a few more steps before they are considered a serious threat.