Quinn Hughes & head coach Rick Tocchet send a strong message to the Vancouver Canucks ahead of Devils matchup

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Maverick Mitchell
October 30, 2024 (10:43)

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With a solid start to the season, the Vancouver Canucks still feel they could be playing a whole lot better, and more as a team, which is why Canucks captain Quinn Hughes & head coach Rick Tocchet sent a strong message of unity & connectivity to the team.

As the Captain of the Canucks, Quinn Hughes has more than just himself to worry about now, he has the pressure to make sure the team stays unified, and that he sets the example in order to create a culture the Canucks need moving forward. By his recent comments, you can tell he takes his job very seriously, and that he only wants the best for his teammates.

«I feel like it's, you know, sometimes my responsibility that everyone should feel happy and feel comfortable,» Hughes said after the Canucks practice. «And I'm not saying anyone doesn't. But you just want everyone to feel really excited to get to the rink. I want to try to help guys with that; I think that's part of my job. But in saying that, I can't let some things distract me from what I need to do to be successful and help this team.»

Rick Tocchet & Quinn Hughes send a strong message to the Vancouver Canucks by making significant changes

While Hughes looks after the culture and the comradery of the team, head coach Rick Tocchet is more direct in his approach in making sure that game plans and strategies are followed properly, and after the Canucks 4-3 OT loss to the Hurricanes on Monday, he made sure to send a strong message to his team.

We're going to have to make some changes,» Tocchet told reporters post-game. «Not working hard enough, very lackadaisical.

«I thought a couple of guys were playing slow. You can't play slow against a high-pressure PK. You just can't. I think I'm going to make a couple of changes. We'll talk tomorrow.»

The Canucks may be winning but it is not due to their powerplay. Against the Hurricanes, they went a measly 0-for-3 and were only able to record 3 shots in total over 6 minutes with a man advantage.

Captain Quinn Hughes reiterated some of the points made by head coach Rick Tocchet.

«A lot of it just comes down to competing and wanting it more - the will,» Hughes reiterated Tuesday. «Getting loose pucks, retrievals, getting to the net, being aggressive and just having that mentality. I know we'll get there. There's been glimpses this year.

«I don't know, you're competing, but sometimes the difference is just that one extra puck battle. We might win three, but then you lose that fourth one that you need. I don't think it's far off, but everyone needs to elevate on the unit. I know everyone's intentions are good. I don't think anyone's trying not to bring their best.»

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