The Vancouver Canucks are making changes to their lines after a run of bad losses at home.
The team was outclassed by the New York Islanders in last night’s 5-2 defeat. Head coach Rick Tocchet apologized to the fanbase after the game, and today’s practice lines had some major changes.
The forwards went through drills at UBC in the following combinations.
Suter – Miller – Lekkerimäki
Sherwood – Pettersson – DeBrusk
Joshua – Blueger – Garland
Höglander – Räty – Heinen
The most notable combination is the reuniting of Dakota Joshua, Conor Garland, and Teddy Blueger. That trio was excellent for the Canucks last season, and the team is hoping they can find some of that chemistry again.
“We had a really good day today,” said Garland about the line being back together. “Kind of did the same concepts we had last year that were effective for us.”
“I think it makes us a better team when Dak gets back in the lineup. He’s going to obviously take some time to get to where he was, but hopefully, me and Teddy can help him.”
Goalie Kevin Lankinen and defenceman Vincent Desharnais were not on the ice. The netminder was on a rest day, and the blueliner tweaked something small, per Tocchet.
“We’ve got to work on certain things, more details,” said Tocchet. “We’ve got to stop the guessing in our game. The guys know. They’re pissed too, it’s not just me.”
The defence pairings looked more familiar as the coach kept many of the duos together.
Hughes – Hronek
Soucy – Myers
Brannstrom – Juulsen
Noah Juulsen took Desharnais’ spot and could play tomorrow night if the big blueliner is still not fully healthy.
The team’s practice today was spirited as they skated a lot and went through some battle drills. They have a back-to-back this weekend so while the practice was intense, they didn’t stay out super long.
“I think I’ve been too soft this year,” said Tocchet. “Our efforts aren’t good at all. Accept it and move on. We worked hard in practice today, focus when it’s time to focus tomorrow.”