Vancouver Canucks playoff chances could swing dramatically after tonight's big game
The Vancouver Canucks have fought their way back into a playoff spot, but tonight’s big game against the Utah Hockey Club will have some huge implications.
After convincingly defeating the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday night, the Canucks leapfrogged the Calgary Flames to take over the final wildcard spot in the Western Conference. That’s a big deal for a Canucks group that has struggled to meet the standards they hit last season.
“Good win [against the Blackhawks]… I’m already thinking about tomorrow,” Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet said last night.
Though it’s a big step, they still shouldn’t be comfortable as the Flames and St. Louis Blues are just a measly two points behind the Canucks for that final spot. Still, Canucks fans can be happy that they are above the line for now.
🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁
The #Canucks are back in a playoff spot pic.twitter.com/odyXqlkhWc
— Rob Williams (@RobTheHockeyGuy) March 16, 2025
One of the other teams hot on their heels is Utah, who are four points back of Vancouver for that wildcard spot and are in town tonight. The Canucks have not had a great time against the Utahns this season, having lost both games by a single goal so far.
Tocchett knows the importance of tonight’s game and has a strategy in mind.
“I think every game you gotta treat like a playoff game,” Tocchett said after last night’s win. “[Utah] is a rush team, they’re really good off the rush. I know it’s a quick turnaround but we gotta really dial in on how we are going to defend that rush.
“It’s going to be a tough game for us.”
Vancouver will need to find a way to reverse those results tonight as a win will have a gigantic impact on their playoff chances down the stretch. According to MoneyPuck, a win tonight will increase the Canucks’ playoff odds by 10 per cent.
However, a regulation loss will sink their chances by 10 per cent as well, which is setting up tonight to be one of the most important games of the season for both clubs.
Another huge game for the #Canucks tonight.
If they win in regulation, their playoff chances jump 10.8% to 52.2%.
If they lose in regulation, their playoff chances drop 10.8% to 30.7%.
Massive swing either way.
All stats per @MoneyPuckdotcom pic.twitter.com/mQUndiR5nv
— Noah Strang (@noahstrang_) March 16, 2025
The Canucks can create some separation tonight with a big performance, but a misstep will open the door for several teams chasing them.