Malhotra, Kesler and what the next month brings.

Malhotra hasn't attended the last few practices, and hasn't been working out with the team for some time now. It was revealed this morning that Malhotra has been placed on Injured Reserve, and will not play for the remainder of the 2012-13 season. GM Mike Gillis described it as being one of the hardest decisions of his career. Malhotra's contract expires this year, and Gillis also revealed that they are looking for a position for him within the team. So, Malhotra's playing days are over. The timing couldn't be more perfect, but his defensive draw perfection will be missed.

On a happier note, Ryan Kesler has been cleared medically to play. Coach AV had him playing with Higgins and Kassian in practice, as well as back on the first Power Play unit. Nothing official has been released, but it is believed he will play either tomorrow against Dallas or Sunday against the Blues. Either way, his minutes will be limited and he will have to ease his way back into the lineup. The combination of Higgins and Kassian on his wings will guarantee he is kept relatively safe from shenanigans and heavy hits.

With Kesler returning, Booth should be close behind. I expect he will start on the 2nd line, and catch some 2nd line Power Play time with Schroeder and Kassian.

Speaking of Schroeder, I'd like to point out that so far, I am right. With Malhotra out, Schroeder's position as 3rd line center is secure for the season. I would like to make a tiny revision to my lineup predictions, and say that Raymond will stay. With Booth and Kesler back, there's no desperate need for Volpatti. So here's what I think:

Sedins-Sedin-Burrows
Booth-Kesler-Kassian
Raymond-Schroeder-Hansen
Higgins-Lappiere-Weise

Yes, Higgins is on the 4th line. But because Schroeder is so young and the 3rd line is so young, they will only be played in situations where they're not up against the biggest players the opposition has. The 3rd and 4th will likely play equal minutes for the rest of the season. Plus, with Kesler and Booth being slowly re-integrated into the team, and the Sedins having a very typical slow start, the very capable 3rd and 4th lines will be expected to pick up the slack for the next few weeks.

Now onto the long term stuff. So far, the Canucks have played easier teams, most of whom have been divisional foes. But the upcoming games are against much tougher teams who are used to fighting tooth and nail for each point, not slicing through their division like the Canucks are. Take a look at the next few weeks:

02/15 - Canucks vs Stars
02/17 - Canucks vs Blues
02/19 - Canucks at Blackhawks
02/21 - Canucks at Stars
02/22 - Canucks at Predators
02/24 - Canucks at Red Wings
02/26 - Canucks vs Coyotes

Heck of a time to bring Kesler and Booth back. Neither will be playing very well for at least 2 weeks, and in that time they'll face the best of the Central division, and Dallas (who are playing just above .500 hockey). The Central division seems like it's going to be the dominant group in the West this year, headed by the Blackhawks, who are still unbeaten in regulation (10-0-3). Detroit, Nashville and St. Louis have all played pretty good hockey, and are with in one point of each other in the standings, and 7-8 points each behind Chicago. Wouldn't be an easy trip with Kesler, Booth and the Sedins at peak performance, never mind playing like it's an exhibition game. Unless they get their game on right off the bat, I can the Canucks coming off this road trip with seriously bruised egos.

Anyways, there's my 2 cents. Next game is tomorrow against the Stars at 7.