Both Elias Pettersson & Rick Tocchet break silence on Pettersson's lackluster start to the season
Vancouver sports analyst Farhan Lalji was on-site for the Canucks' post-practice media session, where he spoke with Elias Pettersson and head coach Rick Tocchet. Pettersson faced questions about his struggles, which have carried over from the latter part of last season and the playoffs.
Farhan pressed Pettersson, saying, «It seems the last three games you've been really active. Do you feel the goals are just around the corner?» Pettersson, nonchalant as always, he responded,
«Yeah, it's easy to click on the stats and say I stink, but I feel like I've been better in the last few games. All I can do is keep on making plays.»
Tocchet, when asked about his star player's recent form, noted,
«I think he's chipping away at his game. I think everyone knows he's gotta move his feet. I don't care if he makes a mistake, as long as he's trying to make plays. Hes got to be more aggressive, I think a lot of the times when he is standing around he gets in trouble, but that's the mental side of it we are trying to work on.»
The Canucks' fairly solid start to the season has somewhat lessened the pressure, but the spotlight remains squarely on Pettersson, especially as he begins the first year of his $11.6 million per season contract. In a hockey-crazed city like Vancouver, high expectations come with being one of the league's top-paid players. If Pettersson can't elevate his game to an elite level soon, the questions and scrutiny will only grow louder.
The good news? Pettersson's recent play suggests he's finding his rhythm. For Canucks fans, the hope is that the goals will come sooner rather than later.
POLL |
OCTOBRE 23 | 387 ANSWERS Both Elias Pettersson & Rick Tocchet break silence on Pettersson's lackluster start to the season How concerned are you for the future of Elias Pettersson? |
Not Concerned | 153 | 39.5 % |
Somewhat Concerned | 148 | 38.2 % |
Very Concerned | 86 | 22.2 % |
List of polls |
|
1 hour ago | By Maverick Mitchell 'Trying to Find His Identity' - Rick Tocchet Opens Up on Cutting Nils Hoglander From Lineup |
|
2 hours ago | By Maverick Mitchell Quinn Hughes & Rick Tocchet Confirm Troubling News About J.T. Miller & Elias Pettersson's Ongoing Feud |
|
4 hours ago | By Maverick Mitchell Vancouver Canucks Make Big Statement with Starting Goalie Choice for Matchup Against Ottawa Senators |
|
5 hours ago | By Maverick Mitchell Canucks Lineup: Vancouver Canucks Head Coach Shocks Fans with New Powerplay Unit |
|
6 hours ago | By Maverick Mitchell Canucks GM Patrik Allvin Answers If He Will Trade J.T. Miller or Elias Pettersson Over Intensifying Drama |
|
21 hours ago | By Jon McIntyre Infamous Glass Banging Dallas Stars Fan Arrested & Sent to Prison |
|
Dec 20 | By Maverick Mitchell 'Need to Be better' - Patrik Allvin Calls Out Vancouver Canucks Stars Ahead of Holiday Break |
|
Dec 20 | By Jon McIntyre Former Vancouver Head Coach Travis Green Opens Up On Issues Facing the Canucks |
Previously on CanucksDaily