Rick Tocchet has had to deal with a lot of drama as coach of <a href='https://www.nhl.com/canucks/' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>the Canucks</a>, and he wants Elias Pettersson to have fun at the <a href='https://www.nhl.com/events/2025-4-nations-face-off' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>4 Nations Face-Off</a> and get loose. Vancouver Canucks star Elias Pettersson has <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/vancouver-canucks/former-vancouver-canuck-bashes-elias-pettersson-for-not-stepping-up-in-the-aftermath-of-the-jt-miller-trade' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>had a tough season</a>. With just 34 points in 49 games, he hasn't lived up to the expectations that come with an $11.6 million contract. But on Saturday night, that all changed as Pettersson put together a massive performance in the <a href='https://canucksarmy.com/news/instant-reaction-vancouver-canucks-beat-toronto-maple-leafs-break-three-game-win-streak' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Canucks' 2-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs.</a>. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1888386452381127070'> </a></blockquote></div> The Swedish center set up Filip Hronek with a pinpoint pass to open the scoring and took on all the comers in a tough defensive matchup against Auston Matthews. His efforts didn't go unnoticed. «I just could tell early on he was into it,» said head coach Rick Tocchet. «Obviously, making that pass helps him, but a couple of times, I yelled his name to go out. One time, he hesitated. I said, 'No, get out there; you got him.'» «I think that he needs a little bit of a pushI think that was a big thing for him, so hopefully, he can build on it.» Unfortunately for both Pettersson and the surging Canucks, they won't see NHL action for a while. The league is pausing for the 4 Nations Face-Off, where Pettersson will represent Sweden in Montreal and Boston. Vancouver won't hit the ice again until February 22. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1799563901215875186'> </a></blockquote></div> While fans will hope to see <a href='https://www.nhl.com/canucks/player/elias-pettersson-8480012' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Pettersson</a> rack up points, his head coach has other priorities in mind. «I just want him to have fun. I know it's a serious tournament, everyone wants to win, it's serious. I want him to represent his country, go out, and have fun with his countrymen. Just have fun. Try stuff.» «I just want him to go out there and have some fun. Come back. Hopefully, that tournament, hanging out with his buddies, rejuvenates his whole demeanour. Todayhe had some fun, and I think he's got to understand that pressure is fun sometimes.» - Rick Tocchet That sets up a tantalizing stage where some of the world's best players compete against each other in the tournament, with Pettersson's first game on Wednesday against Canada. Other Canucks scheduled to participate are Quinn Hughes for Team USA and Kevin Lankinen for Team Finland. However, Hughes' status is uncertain at the moment, as <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/vancouver-canucks/bad-news-for-quinn-hughes-ahead-of-tonight-canucks-game-per-rick-tocchet' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>he has been out with an injury</a> for four straight games now.