POLLS     NHL STATS     SEARCH

TRENDING NOW


Rick Tocchet Drops Brutally Honest Response for Benching Canucks' Star Forwards

PUBLICATION
Daniel Lucente
March 10, 2025  (9:44)
SHARE THIS STORY

Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet speaks to the media
Photo credit: NHL.com

Rick Tocchet was not in a good mood following the Canucks loss last night to the Stars and revealed the honest truth about why his star players were benched late.

The Vancouver Canucks are unable to get pucks in the net. For many months, they have been unable to score reliably and thus unable to gain momentum and improve their rankings.

Their 4-1 loss to the Dallas Stars on Sunday was no different. Despite creating scoring chances, they managed only a single goal.

One of the largest issues has been the underproduction of their best forwards. Elias Pettersson, Jake DeBrusk, and Brock Boeser have all seen their production drop significantly.

Since Jan. 1, Boeser has had 13 points in 26 games, Pettersson eight in 22, and DeBrusk nine in 26, far from expectations.

Against Dallas, they continued to struggle, as seen in their reduced ice time. Pettersson recorded 16:05, Boeser 15:49, and DeBrusk a paltry 12:45 of ice time.

Rick Tocchet says the Canucks star forwards are not doing enough

Head coach Rick Tocchet wouldn't name names but said he'd like to see more from high-impact performers.

"You gotta to earn your ice time," Tocchet said when asked a question about ice time given to Pettersson, DeBrusk, and Boeser.

"You gotta earn your ice time around here, it's how you win. You guys can stir it up all you want, you have to earn your ice time. I don't care how long you've been here, you gotta earn your ice time."

"That's the way it works; that's how you win Stanley Cups."

"I thought we played a good hockey game. A lot of guys played hard, we need some more from a couple of other guys though. I thought the team played well."


Though Pettersson did pick it up, the Canucks' offense is going nowhere. They're last overall in goals per game, as well as even-strength goals per game, since Jan. 1.

With the playoffs hanging in the balance, Vancouver can't wait for things to happen. They're battling the Calgary Flames for the final playoff position in the Western Conference.

Whether Tocchet can get his top forwards going again in a hurry may determine the Canucks' post-season fate.

POLL
3 HOURS AGO   |   53 ANSWERS
Rick Tocchet Drops Brutally Honest Response for Benching Canucks' Star Forwards

Do you agree with Rick Tocchet benching the Canucks star players?

MUST READ



pub
HOCKEYLATEST.COM
COPYRIGHT @2025 - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
TERMS  -  POLICIES  -  PRIVACY AND COOKIE SETTINGS