"When it comes to Pavol Demitra, the Vancouver Canucks are preaching patience. They don't have a choice.

Barring a trade or a minor Cody Hodgson miracle, Demitra represents the great third-line hope. By now, any fan or opponent can pinpoint the Canucks' Achilles heel. It's a six-pack of trouble masked as third and fourth lines.

For the most part, what you see is what you get. Steve Bernier has regressed to the point where you hope he's injured. At least that would explain some things. Ryan Johnson has the worst even-strength shot differential in the NHL. Darcy Hordichuk is fourth worst. Kyle Wellwood had 18 goals last year, but might need 18 years to match it. Tanner Glass threatens to be average, but hasn't done enough to stay in the lineup. Rick Rypien is decent as a role player, but is it enough?

Great teams win games in the playoffs often because third-and fourth-liners find a way to make a difference. With the trade market and Demitra, come hope.

"I understand what it would mean," Demitra said. "Because of the salary cap, you don't see a lot of teams with three solid lines or three lines that can score goals. You need to have those other lines when teams spend a lot of time checking [the Sedin] line.

"They do worry about the [Ryan Kesler line]. But hopefully, they'll start worrying about our line, too."

That may read like wishful thinking. Eight games since coming back from missing nine months because of shoulder surgeries, Demitra has proven rust never sleeps.

He's occasionally made some nice plays and some smart, effective passes. But mostly he, and his passes, have disappeared into the Bernier-Wellwood black hole."