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The Canucks started with four wins, but they were already setting the tone for a season of failure.

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They never had a lead.

Their MVP was on the fourth line.

Their best defenceman, as it turned out, was in the minors.

Quickly, the team was overwhelmed. They suffered a nine-game losing streak. They were outscored 31-12.

They convinced people, they were “competing,” a pattern which lasted most of the season, and one that is certainly their most effective bit of brand marketing in recent years.

In reality, the Canucks didn’t compete much at all, and were propped up by some pretty great goaltending.

In fact, since Jan. 21, they’ve been quite consistently the worst team in the league. They have the fewest points, 19 in 34 games.

They have the fewest goals, and shots. They have the 25th ranked power play, the 29th ranked penalty kill.

That’s nearly half a season spent on a 46-point pace. In no world can a team be on a 46-point pace and claim it’s competitive.