Tocchet and Hughes rave about Myers' massive return for Vancouver Canucks
It was a long three games for the Vancouver Canucks without Tyler Myers.
Myers was suspended three games for a cross-check at the end of the recent contest against the Edmonton Oilers. An already thin blue line was stretched even more without the tall right-handed defenceman. The Canucks won just one of the three games he missed and they were outscored 10-6.
Last night, Myers returned to the lineup and did so in a massive way. He played one of his best games of the season, finishing with two points and helping the Canucks secure a 5-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues. It was the first back-to-back wins for the Canucks since December 1.
“I thought Mysie was one of the best players on the ice tonight, I thought he was terrific,” said head coach Rick Tocchet.
“When he’s out, you really miss a guy like that. His breakouts were great, he was excellent. In those three games he was off, he worked really hard, he didn’t miss a beat. I’m really proud of Mysie.”
Myers is second among Canucks defencemen in points this year with 15. The 34-year-old has played some of his best hockey for the team over the last two seasons. He’s used in different situations and is averaging more than 20 minutes per night.
His value is recognized by all of the leaders on the team, not just Tocchet.
“[His return was] massive, his game, you can see how he breaks out the pucks, penalty kill, just solid, defends hard and obviously his leadership as well,” said captain Quinn Hughes.
Beating the Washington Capitals and Blues back-to-back is a huge step forward for the Canucks. They’re now just one point out of a playoff spot, although they have played an extra contest compared to the leading Calgary Flames.
The Canucks will need more big performances from players like Myers to keep moving up the standings and make the postseason for the second consecutive year.