Sorry, I'm not quite sure what you mean by this?
Meaning if you go back further the Nucks were 3-7 in their prior 10 with 2 of the wins coming against struggling Ottawa and Montreal teams. Demko's play was much more varied with several nights in the .700 and .800's. They've had some statistical improvement in the last 4 games compared with the prior 25 games, but they're still roughly middle of the pack. The largest improvement has come by PDO where they went from bottom 1/3 in the first 25 to top 1/3 in the last 4. That probably won't last. If they play the rest of the season the way they've played these last 4 games, that might have gotten in the playoffs if they hadn't waited until game 25 to do it. At this point they need to be among the league's elite just for a shot at 8th place. Unless Demko is going to win the Vezina, the numbers don't support it.
I still don't think so, too many teams in front of them IMO. It's less about how far back and more about how many teams. Jays ran into the same problem, went on a massive winning streak but the more teams in front, the higher chance that at least one other team will also run hot. Then you're effectively dead in the water...
Are these the best of times? Boudreau took over the Canucks 8 days ago. I doubt they even have a fully integrated system at the moment.
With the exception of the 2013-2014 Colorado Avalanche, I absolutely agree that getting outshot isn't a formula for success. It's far more nuanced than this though. Prior to hiring Boudreau the Canucks actually had a positive shot differential. The problem wasn't shots, it was quality of shots. All I'm trying to say is they are much more of a threat to score under Boudreau (so far) so using a shot differential over 4 games isn't the greatest argument. They've also been much better defensively. Having a competent coach matters.
That's certainly a factor. That being said, I'd argue having some sort of system is a much bigger factor. They played like chickens with their heads cut off prior to Boudreau. It's night and day.
I don't think they'll make the playoffs but they're certainly a much bigger threat now.
I don't think the Canucks were in as bad of shape as St. Louis when they turned around.
I think there is a decent enough chance they could finish ahead of the Jets and Stars. Now in the Pacific, San Jose and L.A seem reachable. Are the Oilers reachable? That's a tough one.
If Boudreau get the Canucks to the playoffs, he's in the Jack Adams discussion that's for sure.
I think going 3 strong at centre was a good move. The defense is still a little iffy to me, but none of the teams the Canucks are chasing are standouts defensively either.