Canucks coach Adam Foote reported some good news on the status of Quinn Hughes, saying he is a game-time decision and could very well play tonight. The Vancouver Canucks dodged another bullet with Quinn Hughes. The Canucks captain was listed as day-to-day after missing practice, Sportsnet's Dan Murphy reported Thursday. By Friday, <a href='https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/hughes-back-canucks-sooner-expected' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>head coach Adam Foote was offering a more encouraging update</a>, saying Hughes would be a game-time decision against the Carolina Hurricanes. <h3>What led to optimism surrounding Quinn Hughes</h3> Hughes also took part in the team's optional morning skate in Carolina, easing concerns after he was shaken up during a collision with Mark Scheifele in Tuesday's loss to the Winnipeg Jets. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/sportsnetmurph/status/1989370601115717821'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> The road trip won't get any easier, as after facing Carolina, Vancouver moves on to Tampa Bay and Florida before returning home to meet the Dallas Stars. Despite a 1-2-1 record on their just-completed homestand, Foote thinks the team is trending in the right direction, and the numbers partially support him. According to Natural Stat Trick, the Canucks lead the NHL in expected goals per 60 minutes over their last five games at 3.5. <h3>Why there are still concerns around the Canucks overall play</h3> Defensively, though, the issues remain. Vancouver has surrendered 3.1 expected goals per 60 at even strength during that same span, which is 30th in the league. Their five-on-five play has shown promising flashes, including winning the scoring-chance battle against Chicago, Columbus, and Winnipeg. The matchup with Colorado was much closer, and their early strong effort against Nashville on Nov. 3 unraveled in the third period. The penalty kill has been the biggest problem. In their last five games, the Canucks have allowed seven power-play goals on just 15 kills for a concerning 53.5 percent rate. Ultimately, Vancouver's hopes rest on tightening the defensive structure and getting Hughes back at full strength. If both happen, the path forward becomes far more manageable.