Vancouver Canucks Head Coach Rick Tocchet Has Bold Advice for Unhappy Elias Pettersson
Photo credit: NHL.com
When speaking with reporters after their 2-1 loss to Utah on Sunday, Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet wasn't too happy with Elias Pettersson's play.
The Vancouver Canucks lost their second game in as many days on Sunday in Utah and after the game, Elias Pettersson gave a lousy answer for his struggles this season, while Rick Tocchet also gave his thoughts on the play of the Swedish forward.
Vancouver Canucks HC Rick Tocchet not too happy with play of Elias Pettersson
After last night's game, Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet met with the media to discuss the loss, where he team only had 15 shots and understandably, he was asked about Elias Pettersson's struggles.
Tocchet told reporters that Elias Pettersson has got to start moving his feet, something they've talked about with him, can't double clutch when he has the puck and he has to shoot when he has the opportunity to do so.
The Canucks' bench boss is unsure if it's a lack of confidence with his shot and that's why he's not shooting the puck often, but he's had plenty of chances to do so, especially towards the end of the game when they pulled Arturs Silovs to go six-on-five.
"We've talked about he has to move his feet, and can't double clutch (with the puck). I think he's waiting for something. I don't know if it's a lack of confidence in his shot, but as soon as he has room, he's got to take it and . . . just got to blast it. I'd rather him just rip a puck right now. He's not moving his feet. I thought today, some shifts he was moving his feet and it looked like we had some glimpses." Tocchet said.
He added, "But six-on-five there at the end, it's the same thing, waiting. If he just takes three or four strides . . . I don't know if it's a mental block right now, all year, but he's got to move his feet."
He added, "But six-on-five there at the end, it's the same thing, waiting. If he just takes three or four strides . . . I don't know if it's a mental block right now, all year, but he's got to move his feet."
Given his struggles this season and Rick Tocchet clearly not happy with his play, it'll be interesting to see if the Canucks do something, such as reducing his ice time and maybe take him off the first power play unit to send a message, even if it's just for a game or two.
The Vancouver Canucks are going to have a big decision to make on what they'll do with Elias Pettersson over the next week leading up to the trade deadline as while it may be difficult to make a deal involving him, there's always a chance, especially if Patrik Allvin receives an offer he can't refuse before March 7th.
Source: Iain MacIntyre/Sportsnet
Things go from bad to worse for Canucks' Elias Pettersson
Things go from bad to worse for Canucks' Elias Pettersson
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