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Canucks’ Desjardins: ‘We were still in the break mode’ against Ducks

Carolina Hurricanes v Vancouver Canucks

VANCOUVER, BC - OCTOBER 28: Head coach Willie Desjardins of the Vancouver Canucks looks on from the bench during their game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Rogers Arena October 28, 2014 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)

NHLI via Getty Images

Seven shots on goal through 40 minutes of hockey. That’s simply not good enough, and that’s what the Vancouver Canucks managed in an uninspired 4-0 loss to the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday.

The following day, they held a team meeting to discuss this recent run of play, which has seen the Canucks lose their last two games, and go 5-5 in their last 10 games. They precariously hold a playoff spot, sitting third in the Pacific Division, but only three points ahead of the L.A. Kings.

“I think we came off the break, and we were still in the break mode when we played,” said head coach Willie Desjardins on Wednesday.

“We weren’t at the level we needed to compete the way we needed to compete. That one’s gone and it can’t happen again. We’ve had a few of those at home and we know that and we have to react accordingly.”

The coach reiterated the message he had from the night before, when he admitted he might have to change his mind when it comes to his belief his Canucks can compete with top teams, like the Ducks.

Meanwhile, trade rumors involving the Canucks are swirling, especially now with Kevin Bieksa out of the lineup after hand surgery. Boston Bruins defenseman Matt Bartkowski has been mentioned in the most recent round of speculation involving the Canucks.

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