Rick Tocchet full of praise for his team after Game 7 loss to Edmonton

PUBLICATION

Cooper Godin
May 21, 2024 (6:14 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

The Vancouver Canucks' season is now over after losing to the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. It's a heartbreaking loss for the fan base, but everyone should hold their heads high after a season like that.

After the game, Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet met with the media and was full of praise for his team and the effort they gave from opening night in October right up until Game 7 last night. Tocchet said that the Canucks have put respect back into the city of Vancouver and gave the fans something to be proud of.

"They put respect back in this city and this jersey, let's face it. Fans got something to be proud about, and it's all because of the players." Tocchet said.

For a little while, this loss is going to sting for the players and the fans and that's understandable. The Canucks were one win away from their first Conference Final in 13 years and lost to a Western Canadian rival in the Edmonton Oilers. But everyone should be proud of the season the Vancouver Canucks had.

Coming into the 2023-24 season, everyone expected that the Canucks may be a team that's pushing for a wild card spot, but they exceeded expectations and won their division and made it to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

This season was a good building block for the Canucks and next season, there won't be anyone underestimating this team. Injuries and and a few players with poor performances ultimately caught up to them in the playoffs, but they'll be back stronger than ever when the 2024-25 campaign begins.

It's going to see what happens with key free agents such as Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov, both of whom are UFAs, while Filip Hronek is set to become an RFA on July 1st as well. It's going to be an interesting summer for Patrik Allvin and his management group.