What Chytil had to say after impressive Vancouver Canucks debut
The Vancouver Canucks new players made quite the impression in their debut, especially Filip Chytil, who scored a huge goal.
Chytil, Drew O’Connor, and Marcus Pettersson all played their first game with the Canucks. There were positives from each player’s performance despite the 3-2 overtime loss against the Detroit Red Wings.
Chytil, the centrepiece received in the J.T. Miller blockbuster, looked strong on the puck and was one of the team’s most dangerous offensive weapons.
He carried play through the neutral zone, was patient with his decisions, and the result was a massive third-period goal, which tied the game and got Rogers Arena shaking.
“There were some players in front of me and even some guys behind me trying to steal the puck,” explained Chytil. “I just thought there was not an open lane to shoot right away, so I was holding it as long as I could, and I’m happy it went in.”
WELCOME TO VANCOUVER, FILIP CHYTIL! ššØ pic.twitter.com/KVMkNGPQs6
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Chytil’s jubilation after scoring the goal was obvious. He had an incredible celebration and was fired up for the big moment.
“It meant a lot to me. In the moment, there were so many emotions in my head. I want to build on that, keep working hard every day, and be even better than today.”
The 25-year-old’s strong play didn’t go unnoticed. When the game went to overtime, it was Chytil that head coach Rick Tocchet tapped on the shoulder to begin the extra frame.
“I was very happy that I got that opportunity to be [out] there,” continued Chytil.
Tocchet didn’t only reward Chytil with that overtime opportunity; he also praised the player to reporters publically after the game.
“Really good. Controlled the play, wanted the puck, off the rush. Obviously, he’s a guy that can make some plays…big goal for us so it was a good debut for him.”
With Miller lighting it up with the New York Rangers, recording four points in his first two games, Chytil’s big game was a nice counterbalance. There were a lot of positives that he can take from that performance and if he keeps building on it, he could be a top-six centre for years to come.