Struggling Franchise’s Hopeful Coach Says Team Saw Real Changes During Six Game Reign

This NHL season has been a roller coaster ride for the Vancouver Canucks. Despite a strong showing last Friday against the New York Islanders, the squad fell to the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday. After a 5-2 drubbing at the hands of the Red Wings, both the Canucks and their coach were in a dilemma.

In the postgame interview, Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet revealed some eye-opening information about his squad. This postgame interview was uploaded on the YouTube channel Glovey McGlovin.

The head coach calmly talked about the performance of the Canucks

The Canucks’ season has been a major nuisance. Rich Tocchet, the team’s new head coach, has been there for all six recent games. After a month of playing without their former coach, who was sacked by the team’s management last month after much fan outcry, the Canucks have been doing rather well.

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In the interview, Rick Tocchet says, “Well I just think there’s another level of fitness I think we uh you know our skating legs you know just the pace I think the play at the pace. The one thing I got to be real positive about the last six games I’ve been here our team has really changed very well. We have a staff we’ve people might not care but we’ve out changed the other team which is good I think if you look at our third periods and most of our games the last six games we’ve got a chance to team. We’ve had a lot of juice so.”

Tocchet isn’t referring to the team’s physical fitness when he speaks about their “fitness.” Later, he clarifies that his point was that the Canucks, like the best teams in the league, need to improve their fitness in order to play as a cohesive unit on the ice. Also, he says that despite the team’s gradual improvement, he is okay with it since the Stanley Cup Playoffs are still a possibility and the Canucks have a chance to shine this season despite their past record.

Fans give their opinions regarding the NHL coach’s statement

The Canucks’ fan base, as a whole, is solidly behind their head coach’s words. They agree with Rick Tocchet wholeheartedly because they believe he is the only coach who can get the Canucks out of the bottom spot and into the playoffs for the Stanley Cup. Here are some comments to prove it.

“With every passing interview, I keep thinking Rick will figure it out, and maybe he has – he’s just good at PR. But if he honestly thinks fitness is the problem in Vancouver, why did we fire Bruce again?”

“Poor fitness, poor training camp, poor structure, this team will blame anything but management for the poor personnel on D.”

“I like Toch so far. it’s obvious Rick is a gamer and a hockey nerd. The team is obviously adjusting to his standards and expectations, but once/if everyone buys in, holy smokes it will be a dangerous team. I’m considering the rest of the season as a feeler for Tochs standards/system leading into summer training. Next season with a fresh training camp, let’s start talking again.”

“I’m believing him for now, but if the team doesn’t show improvement after a year, then I won’t anymore.”

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What do you think of this statement given by Rick Tocchet? Let us know in the comment section.