Head coach Rick Tocchet embarrassed with Vancouver Canucks' performance & apologizes to fans
After the team's loss to the New York Islanders on Thursday night, Rick Tocchet took the time to apologize to the fan base, including those in attendance who spent money to watch them lose again on home ice.
Home ice hasn't been very kind to the Vancouver Canucks this season and Thursday night's game against the New York Islanders was no exception.
Last night, the Canucks welcomed former captain Bo Horvat and the New York Islanders to Rogers Arena and despite an early goal from Jonathan Lekkerimaki, his first in the National Hockey League, Patrick Roy's group rattled off five straight goals enroute to a 5-2 win over Vancouver.
Rick Tocchet apologizes to Vancouver Canucks fans post-game
When meeting with reporters after the team's loss to the Islanders, Rick Tocchet apologized to the fans for how they've been playing on home ice, adding it's frustrating because their fans are spending a lot of money on tickets.
He added, "I apologize to the fans again. We've got to correct this."
Tocchet said to reporters that the team was playing light and were shy during the loss to the New York Islanders, according to Jason Brough.
Through eight games on home ice this season, the Vancouver Canucks have a record of 2-3-3, with wins coming against Pittsburgh on October 26th and Calgary on Tuesday night.
Being successful on home ice is crucial for teams looking to push for a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Canucks proved that last season, having one of the best home records in the entire National Hockey League at 27-9-5 in 41 games.
Rick Tocchet's group will continue their six-game homestand on Saturday night as they finally welcome Connor Bedard to Rogers Arena. Last season, Bedard was injured during their lone trip to Vancouver, so this will be his first NHL game in his hometown. Puck drop for tomorrow's game against the Chicago Blackhawks is set for 7 pm PT on CBC and Sportsnet as part of Hockey Night in Canada.
