Canucks counter perfect start with 5 consecutive losses

The dream of 82-0 is long gone.

After winning their first four games, the Vancouver Canucks have quickly fallen from grace, currently riding a five-game losing streak after Saturday's 5-2 loss to the Washington Capitals.

The Canucks' 4-0 start was fool's gold, though, as they managed to win three of those games without even leading, repeatedly squeaking out victories in overtime.

Since losing 4-3 to Los Angeles in a shootout Oct. 22 - their first loss - the Canucks have been held off the scoreboard twice, and have only scored four goals in their last four contests.

Vancouver sits dead last in the NHL with only 16 goals for. Even more troublesome, the Canucks are hardly generating chances, averaging a league-worst 25 shots per game.

Strong goaltending provided Vancouver's hot start, but as the season wears on and percentages even out, the Canucks seem likely to continue the downward trend.