Vancouver coach Rick Tocchet expressed his satisfaction as the Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs, making them one of the final eight teams in contention. The prospect of facing the Edmonton Oilers in an all-Canadian showdown in the next series was particularly exciting for Tocchet.
Under Tocchet's guidance, the Canucks made a remarkable turnaround from missing the playoffs last year to finishing third in the Western Conference this season. They clinched the Pacific Division with 109 points and swept all four games against Edmonton.
In a tightly contested series against the Nashville Predators, the Canucks emerged victorious with each of the final four games decided by a single goal. Pius Suter scored the game-winning goal with just 1:39 left in Game 6, securing their spot in the next round.
Canucks captain Quinn Hughes, a Norris Trophy finalist, described the win as a great feeling for the team. This victory marked Vancouver's first playoff series win outside the pandemic bubble since their run to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2011.
The Canucks will now face the Oilers in the second round, marking their first postseason series against Edmonton since 1992. The Oilers, who eliminated the Los Angeles Kings in five games, will pose a tough challenge for Vancouver.
Coach Tocchet faces a decision on which goaltender to start in the upcoming series. Thatcher Demko, Casey DeSmith, and rookie Arturs Silovs have all contributed to the team's success in the playoffs, with Silovs making history as the youngest goalie in team history to record a playoff shutout.
Vancouver will look to improve their offensive output in the next series after a low shot count in the first round. Tocchet remains optimistic about their chances and hopes for more goals in the upcoming games against the Oilers.
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