NHL issues a statement on Rick Tocchet and game seven

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Felip Gosselin
May 20, 2024 (5:52 PM)

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The Canucks and the Oilers have a meeting at the top in Vancouver where they'll be disputing game seven of the Stanley Cup Playoffs' second round.

The Canucks will be showcasing a line-up that has close to no experience in game 7s. Despite losing their top netminder early in the playoffs, Thatcher Demko, and the recent loss of their top scorer, Brock Boeser. The Canucks have plenty of leadership and experience behind the bench to rely on.

Tocchet knows how to get it done

Before starting a career behind the bench, Tocchet had a very lengthy NHL career. A tumultuous forward who wasn't afraid to get dirty, he accumulated his fair share of playoffs through the years.

The NHL issued a statement acknowledging his experience. During his career, Tocchet featured in only seven games 7. Including a Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers in 1987:

Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet skated in seven Game 7s during his NHL playing career, including with the Flyers against the Oilers in the 1987 Stanley Cup Final.

Since Canucks management hired Tocchet as their head coach, the team took a whole new direction. Since day one, there's been a significant cultural change, starting with the team's leaders in J.T. Miller and Quinn Hughes.

The Canucks will feature in their first game seven since their heartbreaking loss to the Bruins in 2011.