It has not been the easiest season for Elias Pettersson as he is constantly dealing with outside criticism from media and fans about how he is not living up to his monster 8-year, $92 million contract with a cap hit of $11.6 million per year (AAV).
But, even though his point totals aren't what he would like them to be (still pretty good), he is making up for it by playing an entire 200 foot game that no one seems to be talking about.
Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet Praises Elias Pettersson
It is safe to say that when the Vancouver Canucks shutout the Toronto Maple Leafs for the first time in franchise history on Saturday, Elias Pettersson may have only got 1 assist, but played one heck of a game on defense that is now getting major praise from his head coach.
"It was one of Petey's best games of the year. I thought he was terrific, blocked shots that won at the end there, [...] hit, they had a back door play that was a hot high hockey IQ. Petty, he didn't press forward. He went back. He saw that that was going to happen. Yeah, he was right. That line was really good. Every line was great, but yeah, Petey was excellent today," Tocchet said.
Amid all of the drama that is surrounding Pettersson and his future with the Canucks, it must feel amazing to get some big props for Rick Tocchet.
This season, his defense has really taken a significant step forward as EP40 has 10 goals and 19 assists for 29 points, along with 44 blocked shot in 36 games.
Per game ranks among forwards this season...
Blocked Passes: 1st
Blocked Shots: 14th
Puck Battle Wins: 17th
Loose Puck Recoveries: 24th
Stick Checks: 33rd"
POLL |
JANVIER 12 | 467 ANSWERS Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet had a lot to say about Elias Pettersson's performance VS Maple Leafs Do you think Elias Pettersson will ever win a Selke Trophy? |
|
|
|
7 hours ago | By Jon McIntyre Vancouver Canucks' Cap Space Strategy Sets Stage for Trade Deadline Moves |
|
8 hours ago | By Cooper Godin Quinn Hughes Draws High Praise From One of the NHL's Best Defensemen Ever |
|
10 hours ago | By Maverick Mitchell "Going On For A While" - Former Canucks Coach Bruce Boudreau Spills on JT Miller & Elias Pettersson Feud |
|
11 hours ago | By Cooper Godin Canucks Insider Shares New Information Regarding Kevin Lankinen's Potential Contract Extension with Vancouver |
|
12 hours ago | By Maverick Mitchell Contract Extension in Doubt - Vancouver Canucks reportedly considering moving on from head coach Rick Tocchet |
|
13 hours ago | By Maverick Mitchell Vancouver Canucks Captain Quinn Hughes Puts Pen to Paper in Brand Deal with Oreo |
|
15 hours ago | By Cooper Godin Erik Brannstrom's Fate With the Vancouver Canucks Revealed After Landing on Waivers |
|
15 hours ago | By Cooper Godin Vancouver Canucks Announce Massive News Regarding Defenseman Filip Hronek |
Previously on CanucksDaily