What a dissapointed Tocchet said after Vancouver Canucks blew multi-goal lead
The Vancouver Canucks could’ve really used a win last night against the Anaheim Ducks.
The Calgary Flames lost in regulation earlier in the night, giving them the same number of games played as the Canucks but one fewer point. This meant that if the Canucks secured two points against the Ducks, they would open up a small lead in the Western Conference Wild Card race.
During the first period, that looked like exactly what was going to happen. The visitors jumped out to a 2-0 lead as Tyler Myers contributed to both goals. However, the Ducks roared back and won the game 5-2.
“We had a game plan; they’re a rush team. Got the two-nothing lead then we had a two-on-one we didn’t convert on, I think we had a breakaway, couple of missed opportunities. Then all of a sudden, they had a rush game, and then we decided to abandon the game plan,” said head coach Rick Tocchet.
“We need some guys to rise to the occasion, whether that’s a middle drive, go to the net. We had shots on net with nobody going to the net. So [I’m a] little disappointed in the grit part of our game.”
The loss means that the Canucks still hold a one-point lead for the second Wild Card spot, but the Flames now have a game in hand.
Elias Pettersson had another quiet game, finishing with zero shots and a -2 on the night. His struggles are standing out even more right now as the Canucks are struggling to create much offence. The last time the Canucks scored more than three goals was on January 31.
It’s not just Pettersson failing to play up to the standard needed. You can go up and down the lineup and single out players who haven’t been doing enough.
“Just a little disappointed in the team. I think we kind of gave in,” continued Tocchet.
“We’re a desperate hockey team. I don’t care if it’s four nothing, you have to keep playing to the game plan. We just have too many guys that instead of going straight, went right or left. A little too much perimeter for my liking.”
The Canucks have one more game on their road trip as they face off against the Seattle Kraken on Saturday night. They’ll be looking to take two points against a team firmly outside the playoff picture in that one to keep their own postseason hopes alive.