'Trying to Find His Identity' - Rick Tocchet Opens Up on Cutting Nils Hoglander From Lineup
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Photo credit: Canucks Daily
Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet has opened up to the media on why he is scratching forward Nils Hoglander from the lineup for the 2nd consecutive game.
It has been clear since the first game of the 2024-2025 NHL season that Nils Hoglander has not been head coach Rick Tocchet's favorite player, constantly playing him in the bottom-6, even making him sit in the grand stands a few times.
Head Coach Rick Tocchet Comments on Forward Nils Hoglander's Game
Whether it is the lack of opportunity by Tocchet, or the lack of confidence in his own game, Hoglander has now gone 21 straight games with out a point, which has led to Rick Tocchet scratching him from the lineup this evening against the Ottawa Senators.
His last 27 games have produced just three points (1 goal, 2 assists) and only 20 shots on net.
Now that he has two straight games being a healthy scratch, Tocchet spoke to the media to discuss what he see's out of Hoglander's game, and that, he as the head coach, has to take some responsibility as well, as they both search for the answers to get him to the next level.
"He's trying to find his identity again and we both agree. He doesn't like the way he's played, he had some opportunities that he didn't take advantage of, but I my job is to help the guy up and I can't just sit him out. He's gotta know why and he's gotta work on his game. I gotta somehow get him relaxed, but I think for him he's gotta make sure that he doesn't make the egregious mistakes at the wrong time." - Rick Tocchet on Hoglander
At just 22-years-old, Hoglander had strong campaign last season, scoring 24 even-strength goals, which led to the conversation of him being the next rising star for the Nucks.
Canucks fans are hoping that the holiday break is going to provide the rest and reset Hoglander needs to find his game again, and to prove to Tocchet that he can be trusted to produce.
Previously on CanucksDaily
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 21 | 428 ANSWERS 'Trying to Find His Identity' - Rick Tocchet Opens Up on Cutting Nils Hoglander From Lineup Do you agree with Rick Tocchet scratching Nils Hoglander for the 2nd consecutive game? | ||
| Yes | 236 | 55.1 % |
| No | 192 | 44.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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