‘He’s a calming influence for a lot of people. That helps the room. We know the impact he has, but what he does off ice is tremendous.’ — Rick Tocchet on Quinn Hughes
A year ago, it seemed so simple, seamless and satisfying.
When Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet reunited the Lotto Line in New Jersey following a loss in St. Louis that opened an arduous seven-stop road trip, it triggered a four-game tour of force.
Elias Pettersson, J.T. Miller and Brock Boeser combined for a whopping 27 points (13-14), 35 shots and a combined plus-27 rating as the Canucks outscored the opposition 21-12. They made it look easy. They looked happy.
Pettersson had the biggest impact with a dozen points (7-5) that included four game-winning goals, 16 shots and a plus-9 rating. The Canucks went 5-1-1 on that sojourn to improve to 29-11-4 and build a seven-point cushion atop the Pacific Division.
Fast forward and that magnificent stretch seems like a mirage.
The Canucks open a five-game test Monday in Montreal on a 3-4-3 slide and are clinging to the second Western Conference wild-card playoff position. Their shot volume ranks 29th at 25.7 per outing and the power play hasn’t struck for more than one goal in 15 games and was blanked seven times in that stretch.
An encouraging sign Sunday was Quinn Hughes returning from missing four games with a suspected hand ailment to work with the first power play unit. Pettersson also practised after being sidelined four games with an upper-body injury.
As for their playing status Monday, Hughes is more probable.
“You get a couple of star guys like that even practising, it gives guys juice,” said Tocchet. “And they’re exciting, too. When you’re segregated and skating by yourself, it’s tough.
“It’s day-to-day and possible for tomorrow (Hughes) and we’ll see in the next 24 hours. We want to make the right decision, too. We’ll take our time on this.
“With Quinn, as much of it is on ice, just being around the room and the way he acts around the guys, he’s a calming influence for a lot of people. That helps the room. We know the impact he has and what he does for our team, but what he does off ice is tremendous.”
It’s good news for a trip that includes facing three division winners, and stiff back-to-back tests, amid much unrest and uncertainty that has commanded the wrong type of leaguewide attention.
Whatever you make of a widely-reported personality clash and disconnect between polar opposites Pettersson and Miller, it has overshadowed what’s really at stake. Management wants to see how a healthy roster functions, but the optics of unrest combined with tepid play are testing their patience.
The trade-threat card is one ploy to see if a spark is lit in Miller and Pettersson. If the stars don’t respond, they will eventually force management’s hand.
This is supposed to be the window to win for a club that appeared on the right track last season. Miller hasn’t scored in a dozen games and has but six goals. His last one was an empty-netter Nov. 16.
Here’s what awaits the Canucks in this week of wonder:
Canucks vs. Canadiens
When and where: Monday, 4:30 p.m. | Bell Centre
TV: Amazon Prime. Radio: Sportsnet 650
Why watch: No longer the Hab-nots
The Canadiens held the high-octane Avalanche to 23 shots in Denver on Saturday in an impressive 2-1 shootout victory. The resurgent Habs have won seven of their last nine games by becoming better defensively. They’ve allowed 19 goals in that stretch, including a 4-0 blanking of the Panthers.
Who to watch: Left winger Cole Caufield
The mighty mite has scored in three-straight games and his 21 goals, that include seven on the power play, rank in the top 10. Speed and finish are his calling cards and aligning with playmaking captain Nick Suzuki have him on pace for a career-high 44 goals.
Canucks vs. Capitals
When and where: Wednesday, 4:30 p.m. | Capital One Arena
TV: Sportsnet. Radio: Sportsnet 650
Why watch: Avoiding Capital punishment
The well-balanced Metropolitan Division leaders are thriving with second-ranked offence and seven players in double-digit goals. They also sport the fourth-rated penalty kill and sixth-ranked defence. With or without record chasing Alex Ovechkin, the Capitals win. They’re 15-5-2 with OV, 10-5-1 without him.
Who to watch: Left winger Alex Ovechkin
The Great 8 scored Saturday and his 19 goals in 23 games are beyond remarkable. At 39, he recovered from a broken leg Nov. 18 and is now just 23 goals shy of breaking Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record of 894 career goals. With a lethal and accurate one-timer slapshot, it’s not if, it’s when.
Canucks vs. Hurricanes
When and where: Friday, 4 p.m. | Lenovo Center
TV: Sportsnet. Radio: Sportsnet 650
Why watch: Wary of Hurricane warning
Head coach Rod Brind’Amour looks like he could still play and the respect he commands shows in a well-balanced attack. The Hurricanes can hurt you in many ways, especially with the second-ranked penalty kill and eighth-rated power play. They’re also 14-5-0 at home.
Who to watch: Left winger Jack Roslovic
Has finally found a productive home on fourth NHL stop. His 17 goals through 39 games on a first line with Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis had him on pace for a career-high 35. Had five points (3-2) in previous five games before facing the Penguins on Sunday.
Canucks vs. Maple Leafs
When and where: Saturday, 4 p.m. | Scotiabank Arena
TV: Sportsnet, HNIC. Radio: Sportsnet 650
Why watch: Finding legs in a hurry
The Canucks are 0-4 in back-to-back games and that doesn’t bode well for the big Hockey Night in Canada stage against the Leafs, who always like to put on a show. On Nov. 11, 2023, the Canucks were riding a five-game win streak and up 2-1 before surrendering four-straight goals in a 5-2 loss at T.O.
Who to watch: Right-winger William Nylander
Has knack of darting from anywhere with a flair and finish. Leads his club with 23 goals and had five in a three-game span, but hasn’t scored in the last six. Still, his seven power play makers and five game-winners speak to an ability to strike when it matters.