"Yes, the Canucks have had a consistent history of mediocrity in October under head coach Alain Vigneault's watch beginning six seasons ago.

But does that — or the 7-4 win over Washington on Saturday — necessarily mean they'll bounce back in November as they have in seasons past under the current coach?

Clearly, the upcoming six-games-in-11-days road trip and a schedule that sees Vancouver playing only four times at home this month will play a big part in determining that.

Will the early-season struggles of goaltender Roberto Luongo — who starts tonight in Calgary to kick off the trip — be shown to be just the usual slow start or something more concerning?"