NHL News: Canucks coach Rick Tocchet delivers clear message after win over Ducks

The Vancouver Canucks kicked off their four-game home series with a 3-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks, fueled by three consecutive second-period goals. Head coach Rick Tocchet praised his NHL team’s aggressiveness, strong puck management, and ability to create scoring opportunities.

Jake DeBrusk, who netted his 22nd goal of the season, emphasized the importance of starting the homestand on a positive note. With the Ducks playing their second straight game, Carson Soucy—who scored his third goal of the season—highlighted the significance of contributions from all lines as Vancouver pushes for a playoff spot. Goaltender Kevin Lankinen stopped 14 of 16 shots faced.

“The speed through the neutral zone, getting the puck in the middle with some speed, getting some people to the net. Obviously, Jake’s goal was big, that was a nice under-the-bar type of goal. When you’re looking for it, he can supply that for us,” Tocchet said, per NHL.com.

“Obviously, it’s a good win, but we’ve got to get back to work tomorrow. That’s the way it is for the next six weeks. We’re in a race; we should be excited about this. We should embrace it and have some fun with it. But tomorrow, we have to work—we’ve got some things we need to iron out. That’s just the way we’ve got to do it,” Tocchet added. Vancouver finished the game with 36 shots on goal, won 70.7% of faceoffs, and blocked 15 shots.

Key Goals and Defensive Effort

In the first period, Sam Colangelo put the Ducks ahead. In the second period, DeBrusk tied the game on a power play, Teddy Blueger gave Vancouver the lead, and Carson Soucy extended it to 3-1. In the third period, Brian Dumoulin pulled Anaheim closer, but the Canucks held on to secure the win.

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NHL News: Canucks coach Rick Tocchet makes strong 5-word admission after loss to Ducks

What’s next for the Canucks?

The Canucks return to Rogers Arena to host the Minnesota Wild on Friday, March 7. The win over the Ducks underscores the importance of collective play and defensive effort as Vancouver pushes through the final stretch of the NHL regular season.