VANCOUVER (CP) -- Now that Pavel Bure is sidelined, it's time for Alexander Mogilny to step up his production down the stretch for the Vancouver Canucks.
Mogilny agreees, although he doesn't think all the responsibility should be placed on his shoulders while Bure recovers from whiplash.
"Everybody has to come together and do their job," Mogilny said Wednesday. "We're all going to step up the best we can."
Mogilny led the Canucks in scoring with 27 goals and 61 points before the Bure injury became serious enough Monday to put him out for at least two weeks.
Bure suffered a neck injury in the opening game of the season when checked into the boards. Bure continued to play, but his condition got worse and finally rest was perscribed.
Mogilny created a controversy earlier in the season when he said he wanted out of Vancouver if the Canucks didn't obtain a more skilled centreman.
He remains with the Canucks, but obviously isn't a happy camper.
Mogilny led the Canucks in goals (55) and points (107) when Bure was sidelined most of last season after major knee surgery. Mogilny's production has dwindled since the return of Bure, although he's still outscored Bure.
"That was last year," Mogilny said. "It's different this year.
"Everybody's a main man in here. There's no such thing, main man. It doesn't matter if you're the leading scorer. If the team's not going (well), the job is not done."
Mogilny has been criticized by fans for his inconsistent efforts, but the same could also he said of Bure.
Bure had 23 goals and 55 points in 63 games and the neck problem may have contributed to a substandard season. Bure twice has had 60-goal seasons, but none since 1993-94.
The Canucks slumped in February (4-10) and fell behind in the Western Conference race for playoff berths. The absence of Bure, who played the point on the power play, is viewed as a major stumbling block to the post-season.
Vancouver coach Tom Renney said there was no consideration given to taking Bure out of the lineup earlier in the season to help his neck condition.
"We had to listen to the athlete and he wanted to play," Renney said. "He never gave us the impression where it was a situation he had to sit.
"Ultimately we have to listen to what he's saying and he has to listen to what his body is telling him."
Bure benched himself during Monday's road game against the Colorado Avalanche when the upper body pain became too much to handle, leaving the enigmatic Mogilny the prime-time sniper for Vancouver.
"Alex has played exteremely well the last month," Renney said. "I think he's taken it upon himself to try and be the difference on our hockey club."
Added Mogilny: "We all can play better, including myself. I'm very disappointed in my game.
"The whole year, it just hasn't happened. It's rocky mountain so far, up and down for everybody."
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