The Vancouver Canucks have several known quantities going into the 2009 NHL Playoffs. We know that Roberto Luongo’s kleptomania will kick in, we know that Willie Mitchell will clear the crease and make Superman poke checks, we know that Ryan Johnson will block shots, and we know that Ryan Kesler will make an impact at both ends of the rink.

Here’s what we don’t know:

• Can the Sedin twins score a point per game? In past years, the Sedins haven’t met expectations in the playoffs. They need to prove that they can be consistently productive in the postseason. Having a legitimate second line this year should help take some of the defensive pressure off of them, but they’ll still have their work cut out for them.
• Will Mats Sundin elevate his game? The big Swede has shown periods of dominant play since he joined the team in January, but he’s been inconsistent. His career playoff stats are very strong, but so are his career regular season stats, and the Canucks need more than they’ve been getting from him.
• Can Vancouver match the Blues’ special teams? The Canucks’ power play and penalty killing were far from special this year, while St. Louis put up some very impressive numbers. Vancouver needs to improve its special teams play to have success: Luongo needs to be the best penalty killer, and the PP needs to capitalize on its opportunities.

There are other question marks, as well: can Alex Burrows carry his regular-season success through to the playoffs? Will the third line of Bernier, Wellwood, and Raymond contribute? Can the team’s injury karma remain on the positive side?

Tonight we’ll begin to see some of the answers to these questions. Hopefully most of those answers will be “Yes.”