Record:27-18-4, 58 points, first place in Pacific
MVP: Elias Pettersson -- The core of second-year center Pettersson, forward Brock Boeser and center Bo Horvat have come of age, with Pettersson leading the Canucks in most offensive categories. He has put up good power-play numbers (20 points; seven goals, 13 assists) and is getting close to his first 30-goal season in the NHL.
Unsung hero: J.T. Miller --The forward has found his niche in Vancouver after being traded by the New York Rangers and Tampa Bay Lightning. Miller has jelled with Pettersson and Boeser and is on the way to setting NHL career highs in his eighth season with 46 points (17 goals, 29 assists) in 49 games.
Player to watch: Quinn Hughes --The defenseman is a Calder Trophy contender for rookie of the year, competing with Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar and injured Buffalo Sabres forward Victor Olofsson for most points by a rookie. The 20-year-old, with 34 points (five goals, 29 assists) in 48 games, could break Canucks records for points (63 by Doug Lister in 1986-87) and assists (55 by Dennis Kearns in 1976-77) in a season by a defenseman.
Biggest need --The return of forward Brandon Sutter from an upper-body injury adds grit and depth. Vancouver is waiting for forward Micheal Ferland, limited to 14 games because of a concussion and upper-body injury, to come back and be a physical presence on the second or third line. Ferland and forward Josh Leivo, out since Dec. 19 with a fractured kneecap, will lengthen the Canucks' depth up front.
Second-half prognosis --Chances look good for Vancouver to make its first Stanley Cup Playoff appearance since 2014-15, but its youth will be tested in what will remain a tight division and conference race.