The Vancouver Canucks are aiming to refocus as they prepare for a crucial matchup, seeking to replicate their recent success against Edmonton. Players Dostal and LaCombe emphasize the importance of maintaining a consistent playing style. After two losses to the Kraken and Ducks, Coach Rick Tocchet noted the need for better execution and grit, especially after missing key scoring opportunities. Star forward Elias Pettersson, struggling with only 11 goals this season, expressed his desire to improve in the remaining games. Currently, Vancouver sits fifth in the Pacific Division, just two points behind Calgary for a Wild Card spot.
“We need to maintain our style of play,” Dostal stated. “If we stick to simple hockey and replicate how we performed in Edmonton, we can achieve success.”
“We have to keep playing the same way,” LaCombe concurred. “We’re facing a great team and we’re trying to catch up to them. It’s a significant game for us.”
Vancouver kicks off a five-game homestand tonight, aiming to bounce back from back-to-back losses to the Kraken and Ducks over the past week.
“[The Ducks] thrive on counterattacks,” Vancouver coach Rick Tocchet said following his team’s 5-2 loss at Honda Center last Thursday. “We took a 2-0 lead, had a two-on-one opportunity that we didn’t capitalize on. We had a breakaway and several missed chances. Then they turned the tide with their rush game. We abandoned our game plan. We need some players to step up, whether that’s making a middle drive to the net or ensuring that we have players going to the net. I was a bit disappointed with the grit we showed.”
Having executed two of the most impactful trades this NHL season, the Canucks are still adapting to being without star forward JT Miller, while hoping to revitalize top-line center Elias Pettersson as the main offensive threat. Pettersson, who amassed 191 points over the last two NHL seasons, has only recorded 11 goals and 35 points in 54 games this year, and he acknowledged yesterday that this lack of production has been mentally challenging.
“I think about it frequently,” Pettersson shared with the media on Tuesday. “Honestly, I haven’t played the way I aspire to this year. I haven’t met the expectations I have for myself, nor those the franchise has for me. I’ll admit that, but that’s behind me now. I want to make the most of these last 22 games, plus any additional ones, and hopefully play my best hockey. I wish we had more victories. I wish I had performed significantly better. But I can’t dwell on that; I’m focused on the future.”
Vancouver (27-22-11, 65 points) is currently in fifth place in the Pacific Division, trailing Calgary by two points for the final Wild Card spot.