Before the Puck Drops: What Will It Take for the Canucks to

The Vancouver Canucks are running out of time to turn things around on this road trip. They've lost five straight games, and Thursday night brings another tough test against the Florida Panthers and the suddenly dangerous Tkachuk brothers.

Tuesday’s 3-2 loss to the New York Islanders showed some encouraging signs. Vancouver fell behind 2-0 but battled back to tie the game before giving up the deciding goal in the third period. That's better than rolling over, but moral victories only go so far. The Canucks need points.

So, what will it take to get them back in the win column tonight?

First, Keep Matthew and Brady Tkachuk in Check.

The Tkachuk brothers are coming off quite a night. Brady scored a natural hat trick against Columbus, and Matthew assisted on all three goals. Matthew added two more assists in Florida's 7-3 win. That's a pretty good reason for Vancouver to pay attention.

The Canucks don't need to spend the entire night worrying about two players, but they can't afford to give them room to operate. That means winning battles along the boards, getting sticks into passing lanes and making life difficult around the net. Florida has plenty of other weapons, too. The Canucks need to defend as a group rather than expecting their goaltender to clean up every mistake.

Second, the Canucks Need to Find Some Offence.

Vancouver has scored just nine goals during its five-game losing streak. That won't win many hockey games. Elias Pettersson leads the team with nine points, and Brock Boeser found the net against the Islanders. Max Sasson scored, too. Those are encouraging signs, but the Canucks need more consistent contributions.

They don't have to score five or six goals every night. They do need to turn chances into goals and avoid long stretches of chasing the puck. Florida has allowed goals of its own this season, and its goaltending situation isn't entirely settled. Vancouver needs to test whoever starts and make the Panthers defend for a full 60 minutes.

Third, the Canucks Need to Build on the Defensive Improvement.

Here's one positive from Tuesday: Vancouver didn't allow a power-play goal for the first time this season. That's worth building on, especially against a Florida team that has been dangerous with the man advantage lately.

The Canucks need disciplined hockey, fewer unnecessary penalties and better defensive coverage. If they can keep Florida's power play quiet, they'll have a much better chance.

What's My Take for Tonight's Canucks Game?

I'm encouraged that Vancouver fought back against the Islanders. Now I'd like to see that effort last the whole game. The Canucks don't need a miracle in Florida. They need timely saves, a little more scoring touch and the kind of defensive commitment that makes life difficult for the opposition.

Five straight losses are enough. It's time to turn some of those positive signs into two points.