Life Without Elias Pettersson Proving That the Canucks Do In Fact Need Him Despite Criticism

Yeah, we all know Petey hasn't exactly been lighting it up this season-he's looked a bit off, not quite the same game-breaker we're used to.

But even still, the numbers don't lie: the Canucks are 31-32 (.492) when he's in the lineup, and just 3-7 (.300) without him. That's a big drop.

Say what you want about his dip in production, but Pettersson clearly still makes an impact. Maybe it's his presence that gives the team a jolt.

Maybe it's how he draws defenders, opens up ice, or helps on the power play. Either way, it's clear the Canucks miss him when he's not out there.

Sunday's loss to the Jets hurt-bad. With St. Louis now red-hot and riding a 9-game win streak, Vancouver's playoff hopes are hanging by a thread.

To be real, the only way they likely sneak in now is by winning out the rest of the season. And that's a tall order, even with Pettersson healthy.

This whole situation has kind of shined a light on just how important Petey is to this team-even when he's not playing at 100%.

Fans get frustrated (rightfully so), but when he's missing from the lineup, the Canucks feel a whole lot flatter.

So here we are, clinging to hope, scoreboard watching, and praying for a miracle. If the Canucks want to make the postseason, they'll need their stars to be stars-and that starts with Pettersson.

Let's hope he can find another gear, because this team needs every bit of help it can get.