Canucks-Jets Preview

The effects of the Vancouver Canucks' rough season might finally be taking their toll on one of the Sedin brothers.

After questioning the work ethic of his teammates in their most recent contest, Daniel Sedin expects a more spirited performance Tuesday night as the visiting Canucks try to avoid a fifth consecutive defeat and season sweep by the lowly Winnipeg Jets.

Vancouver's skid began with a 5-2 home loss to Winnipeg (29-37-6) last Monday. The Canucks (27-32-12) lost 3-1 to Colorado two nights later and were shut out in their next two games.

After they were outshot 50-19 in Saturday's 3-0 loss to St. Louis, the usually mild-mannered Sedin couldn't hold back.

"The effort should always be there," said Sedin, who has combined with brother Henrik for two points in four games. "It doesn't matter where you are in the standings or what kind of team you are. That's not good enough.

"This is too tough a league to go out there and hope. You've got to work for your chances, you've got to work for your teammates. Once we realize that, we can be a good team. You need all (the guys)."

A loser of 12 of 17, the Western Conference's lowest-scoring team has averaged 2.1 goals in 22 games and is 0 for 23 on the power play in the last seven. The only time the Canucks were blanked in three straight games was Jan. 7-10, 1984.

Injuries and a poor record have Vancouver turning to youth in the final weeks of the season, but Daniel Sedin wouldn't allow that to be an excuse for the Canucks' level of play.

"If they don't have confidence it's because they don't work hard," he said. "That's the way I look at it. The effort has to be there every night. That's all we can ask for right now."

Vancouver, which lost five in a row Nov. 27-Dec. 5, totaled three goals in the first two games against the Jets. It fell 4-1 at Winnipeg on Nov. 18.

The Jets, however, have been outscored 11-3 in going 0-2-1 since winning at Vancouver last week. Winnipeg lost for the 15th time in 19 home games, 3-2 in overtime to Anaheim on Sunday.

"We owe it to the fans," coach Paul Maurice told the NHL's official website. "This is not where we want to be. We want to put in a good effort out there, we want to play right and make it an exciting game."

Points leader Blake Wheeler snapped a 10-game goal drought with his 19th but the Jets didn't convert any of their three power-play chances and are 1 for 28 in the last nine.

Wheeler has two goals and three assists during a five-game point streak against Vancouver.

The Sedins had four goals and 10 assists in a combined four-game point streak against Winnipeg before both were shut out in last week's meeting.

Michael Hutchinson made 26 saves in that matchup with the Canucks and 30 on Sunday.

Vancouver's Ryan Miller has posted a 3.30 goals-against average while losing all four career starts at Winnipeg.