FIVE KEYS TO THE GAME

1 Boeser’s big back

How big is Brock Boeser’s back? The Canucks’ super rookie is now clearly their most important player. With no Sven Baertschi and no Bo Horvat, the Canucks’ offensive touch is every diminished.

2 Keeping things tight

The Canucks got munched in shot attempts in the third period Saturday, as the Flames put their foot on the gas and the Canucks struggled to keep up. Calgary scored three goals in the third as they ran the Canucks ragged.

Jets’ offence is flying high

Winnipeg is tied for fourth in the NHL in goals with 101. Their offence is great. And they have been getting great goaltending from Connor Hellebuyck to boot.

4 Eyeing the playoff chase

Yes, we’re still short of the midway mark this season, but the playoff race is already shaping up. The Jets clearly are in the mix to finish in the top three in the Central Division, while the Canucks are sitting on the edge of the playoffs in the Pacific. Between now and the end of the year, the Canucks face a slew of Western Conference foes. Those games could determine their playoff hopes.

5 No Buff

Dustin Byfuglien suffered some sort of lower body injury Saturday. He’s touch and go to play. Saturday was a tough night as the Jets finished with just four defencemen as coach Paul Maurice elected to leave Ben Chiarot on the bench after Byfuglien went down injured early in the third period.