Canucks must regroup after decisive Game 6 loss to Oilers

All season lengthy, the Vancouver Canucks have preached resilience.

Now comes the last word take a look at.

After an unpleasant 5-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday, the Canucks have to as soon as once more showcase their potential to bounce again as the 2 groups put together for a decisive Sport 7 Monday within the second-round playoff collection.

The 2 sides are actually tied at 3-3 within the best-of-seven matchup.

“Our job proper now’s we bought to flush this recreation,” stated head coach Rick Tocchet. “Clearly some guys know that they should play higher. And also you’ve bought 48 hours to get your power again. That is simply the way in which it’s.

“It’s a Sport 7. Folks would kill to be on this state of affairs proper now. And we’ve bought to behave like we wish to be in that state of affairs.”

Closing out a collection in opposition to the Oilers was by no means going to be straightforward, stated Canucks right-winger Brock Boeser. It took Vancouver two possibilities to get rid of the Nashville Predators in spherical one, he famous.

“I feel we knew this (second spherical) was going to be a tough collection from the beginning and it’s gone forwards and backwards,” he stated. “I feel that’s the great thing about playoff hockey. We’ve bought to overlook about this one, concentrate on enjoying higher subsequent recreation and bringing that effort.”

Vancouver hasn’t misplaced back-to-back video games since March 25 and 28, however the stakes have not been increased this season both.

Monday’s winner will face the Dallas Stars within the Western Convention last. The loser might be eradicated from the playoffs.

Vancouver must deal with Sport 7 like some other recreation and as a fantastic alternative, stated Canucks captain Quinn Hughes.

“In the event you informed us we’d have this chance in September, we most likely would have taken it. We most likely would have taken it three or 4 weeks in the past as effectively,” he stated. “We’ll be excited.”

The Canucks know that they had room for enchancment Saturday.

Edmonton outshot Vancouver 27-15, and the Oilers blocked one other 12 makes an attempt. The Canucks additionally had 25 pictures miss the online.

“I imply, it’s not a recipe for fulfillment,” Elias Pettersson stated of his group’s shot whole. “Clearly we’ve gained video games when we’ve not many pictures. However it’s what it’s. They gained at the moment. It’s a seven-game collection for a cause. I’ll concentrate on that.”

The Oilers additionally smothered the Canucks’ energy play as soon as once more, with Vancouver going 0-for-4 with the person benefit. The Canucks have not scored on their final 12 energy performs going again to Sport 3.

“Clearly not ok,” Hughes stated. “And we’re going to need to be able to go. We wish to be at our greatest when it actually issues. And we’re going to wish to try this.”

A veteran of 145 NHL playoff video games throughout his time as a participant, Tocchet is effectively conscious of what it takes to win in powerful conditions.

He needs his gamers to stay collectively heading into Monday’s recreation. He needs them to take quick shifts and play with desperation.

“These are massive moments and also you’re searching for guys to need it, need that massive second. Don’t be terrified of it. Go after it. That’s my recommendation to all people,” the coach stated.

“There’s loads of gamers and groups which are going to be watching that recreation. I feel we play the sport as gamers to be on that stage. Play such as you wish to be a hero on Monday. That’s what I feel.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first printed Could 19, 2024.