Canucks Head Coach Rick Tocchet Blames Himself for Being Too Soft On His Players, But it's Going to Change
Photo credit: MSN
The Vancouver Canucks' early-season success under head coach Rick Tocchet has been overshadowed by alarming struggles on home ice. While their 6-1 road record has been a bright spot, the Canucks have stumbled to a 2-3-3 record at Rogers Arena, culminating in lackluster efforts that have fans-and Tocchet-demanding more.
Following a disheartening 5-2 loss to the New York Islanders on Thursday, Tocchet began his post-game press conference with an apology to the fans. "We just can't accept these home-game efforts," he said, pointing to a disturbing lack of intensity and focus. The game marked the second uninspired performance in a week, following a similar collapse against the Oilers.
Tocchet has taken responsibility, admitting he's been «too soft» on his players this season, in contrast to his more vocal approach last year.
«I've purposely stayed a little more quiet because I want these guys to grow,» Tocchet explained. But he's clear that growth must come sooner rather than later, warning, «The bar has to be raised. We can't wait until March.»
Players echoed Tocchet's concerns, acknowledging a dip in focus and consistency.
«The reason we had success last year was because we played a certain way,» said Tyler Myers. «Right now, our consistency with that play is not where it needs to be.»
Forward Teddy Blueger added that complacency may have crept in after last season's strong finish, but he believes the issues are fixable.
The Canucks have shown promise with an 8-4-3 start, despite injuries to key players like Thatcher Demko and Brock Boeser. However, their inability to correct repeated mistakes on home ice is concerning. Tocchet described the team as playing «light,» far from the physical, hard-nosed identity that brought them success last season.
With Connor Bedard and the Blackhawks visiting on Saturday, and immediately after the Nashville Predators on Sunday night, the Canucks have an opportunity to prove they can rebound. As Tocchet said,
«We just can't play like this at home. It's not acceptable.»
Previously on CanucksDaily
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 16 | 128 ANSWERS Canucks Head Coach Rick Tocchet Blames Himself for Being Too Soft On His Players, But it's Going to Change Do you think the Canucks will win both games on the weekend at home against the Blackhawks and Predators? | ||
| They will go 2-0 | 77 | 60.2 % |
| They will go 1-1 | 44 | 34.4 % |
| They will go 0-2 | 7 | 5.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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