Hockey is finally back! (Preseason that is)

Rob and Shylo dig into the Canucks' first preseason action, what actually matters in exhibition games, and whether the NHL could use preseason as a way to bring new fans into the building with dramatically cheaper tickets.The early standout is Braeden Cootes, whose skating, vision, puck pursuit and confidence have Rob and Shylo wondering just how close he may be to NHL-ready. They also discuss the early goaltending performances, Vancouver's familiar struggle to generate shots, and why Caleb Malhotra may be exactly where he belongs developing in the NCAA rather than being rushed toward the NHL.Then it's time to look beyond Vancouver and survey the Pacific Division. Anaheim's massive contracts and cap situation raise questions about how quickly an emerging contender can suddenly become financially squeezed, while Calgary joins Vancouver in rebuild territory. San Jose is a completely different story, with Macklin Celebrini accelerating their timeline and a young roster that suddenly looks capable of causing serious problems throughout the division.Los Angeles remains dangerous but aging, Seattle becomes the source of one of Rob and Shylo's biggest disagreements, and Vegas remains... well, Vegas: loaded with talent while somehow performing its annual salary-cap gymnastics.Edmonton gets deliberately saved for a deeper discussion on an upcoming episode, although Rob and Shylo can't resist getting into the Oilers' goaltending decisions and some of their more puzzling roster moves.Finally, the guys attempt to sort the Pacific into tiers. Shylo sees San Jose and Seattle potentially climbing behind the established powers, while Rob isn't nearly as convinced about the Kraken. One thing they're considerably more comfortable with: Vancouver may be spending this season much closer to the bottom than the top.For a rebuilding Canucks team, that might not be the worst thing in the world.We're fans, just like you.