Since Francesco Aquilini and the Aquilini Group assumed full ownership of the Canucks franchise in November of 2006, the club has missed the playoffs on only two occasions.

After the club failed to qualify for the postseason in 2008 general manager Dave Nonis was fired. This past Spring, after the team was mathematically eliminated from the postseason while the Rogers Arena faithful showered their team with a "Fire Gillis!" chant, general manager Mike Gillis was fired.

Actions speak louder than words, and the Aquilini Group's actions have made it crystal clear: the playoffs are a firm expectation for their hockey club. On Wednesday, Aquilini appeared on the radio and was explicit about his hopes for the club this season. Per Nicholsonhockey.com:

I expect this team will be competitive. I think it’ll push for a playoff spot and it’s going to be exciting to watch. Once you’re in the playoffs, anything can happen. Certain players can get really hot and make a difference and you just never know. Especially today in the salary cap world. Everything is so even. Just getting in the playoffs is a big deal.

Yep, getting into the playoffs is a big deal in Vancouver - just ask Gillis or Nonis!

It would seem that the Canucks have gone from "we're all-in" to "just getting in the playoffs is a big deal" in the span of 18 months. These lowered expectations haven't escaped the notice of key players on the roster, nor has it escaped comment in Vancouver's newspapers.

All of which begs the pertinent question: are the Canucks a playoff team? The underlying numbers, and in particular the club's strong ability to control even-strength shot attempts, would suggest that they're poised to bounce back this upcoming season. In the murderer's row Western Conference though, the club's 'bounce back' will have to be pretty dramatic, otherwise the best the team can likely hope for is the playoff bubble.