Is Canuck nation concerned? Do Garrett and Shorthouse like cheeseburgers?

The loyal fans in Vancouver live and breathe to the ups and downs of their favorite team and this start has them reaching for the Tums, but fear not, this team will be alright.

Henrik and Daniel Sedin have started the same way as they did last year. In 10-11 the twins had nine points after three games. This year they have 10.

The power play looks good and has adapted to the absence of Ryan Kesler even if that could change in the very near future. Kesler is skating with the team and looks close to making his return. Keith Ballard looks like he will be able to regain his form. Cody Hodgson is getting a chance to show he can play in the top six. Chris Tanev is getting some extra minutes and Sami Salo is averaging over 20 minutes a game. There are some positives.

The negatives are obvious and the results are what create the ulcers and make Alain Vigneault’s hair look even thinner.

The Canucks cannot seem to get through the first five minutes of any game without taking a penalty. They have been outshot 56-40 in the first period in their games so far. The Canucks scored first in 49 games last season. This year they have gotten the first goal only once. At times their defence looks lost and Roberto Luongo is off to another forgettable start, although he improved to 1-1-1 last Saturday.

The good news is these things will change. It is early.

The Canucks have won their division in four of the last five years. They have averaged 107 points in the last three years. Luongo has been nominated for the Vezina in two of the last three years. He and Cory Schneider won the Jennings trophy. Last year Luongo had a stretch from Nov. 24th through Jan. 11th where he lost only two games. Goaltending will not be a problem. It is early.

Fear Not.