Coming off their return to the playoffs, the Canucks struggle to live up to expectations early in the season after Todd Bertuzzi's suspension and an injury to Andrew Cassels hinder their top line. GM Brian Burke is celebrated for bringing Trevor Linden back to Vancouver via trade, but it's Burke's speech in late December that finally kickstarts the Canucks turnaround. In mid-January, Brendan Morrison is inserted between Markus Naslund and Bertuzzi on the first line, and the trio quickly emerges as a dominant force dubbed "The West Coast Express". Vancouver charges into the playoffs as the league's hottest team and is on track to upset top-seeded Detroit before a lucky goal becomes the catalyst for the Red Wings' comeback.