A 4-6-3 home record for the Canucks is a disturbing contrast from a 10-2-1 road mark. What has to change on six-game homestand?
It’s one thing to talk the talk. It’s something else to walk the walk.
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The Canucks bench boss is often at a loss to explain slow starts, and perhaps too much of a comfort factor. They have led to a shocking and disturbing 4-6-3 record on home ice following a 4-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday afternoon.
It’s in stark contrast to a dominant 10-2-1 road record and what the club accomplished at home last year with a superlative 27-9-5 effort.
Maybe it’s another slogan that Tocchet needs to adopt. How about this: ‘It’s mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.’ After all, attitude is everything and adopting a road mantra to play uncomfortable must translate to home ice.
“We’ve had a couple of good meetings about our starts,” said Tocchet. “We had six turnovers in a row (Friday) and it’s important we talk about it and make each other accountable. It’s hard to come back in this league. You can’t turn over pucks at that rate and always expect to come back.
“I just don’t like bad trends. You’re going to have turnovers, but not four or five in row and each line. A line has to go out there and settle it down, whether it’s the simple play just to calm things down.
“We’ve tried to switch up pre-scout meetings, and as player, you might have to change your approach sometimes. Don’t get stale. Do something different.
“To me, it’s a mindset. I’d rather just play simple hockey in the first period and get your game going.”
If their presence in the room and the ice doesn’t help move the home-ice meter, then the Canucks could continue to stumble on instead of being dominant.
Here’s what awaits the Canucks the rest of this week:
Canucks vs. Blues
When and where: Tuesday 7 p.m. | Rogers Arena
TV: SN Pacific. Radio: Sportsnet 650
Why watch: Let’s call it “The Jim Jump”
We know “The Bruce Bump” and how Boudreau coaxed the Canucks to a 7-0-0 start in supplanting Travis Green as bench boss. Jim Montgomery had an impact with the Blues just five days after being fired by the Bruins. His new club responded with a 4-2-0 mark, which isn’t surprising. Teams he guided for a full season qualified for the playoffs and he has a .659 winning percentage.
Who to watch: Left winger Dylan Holloway
Best player in the 2022 Young Stars tournament in Penticton. Was booed in his return to Edmonton on Sunday after signing a two-year offer sheet with the Blues in August that wasn’t matched. Scored in a 4-2 loss at Rogers Place on Sunday and has nine goals, 17 points, and six points in his last five games (4-2).
Canucks vs. Panthers
When and where: Thursday 7 p.m. | Rogers Arena
TV: SN Pacific. Radio: Sportsnet 650
Why watch: Panthers on prowl again
A Stanley Cup hangover led to a slow start, but the champions have hit stride with the third-ranked offence that’s averaging 3.75 goals per games and the fourth-rated power play (28 per cent). The Panthers have won five of their last six and Matthew Tkachuk has a whopping 14 points (5-9) in his last five games.
Who to watch: Right winger Sam Reinhart
The North Vancouver product is building off a career-high 57 goals, 94 points and 10 playoff goals last season. Leads his club with 19 goals and 38 points to sit fifth in league scoring. He leads the Panthers with four power-play goals and also tops the NHL with four short-handed markers.
Canucks vs. Bruins
When and where: Saturday 7 p.m. | Rogers Arena
TV: SN Pacific, HNIC. Radio: Sportsnet 650
Why watch: It’s the Bruins. Next question?
The longtime rivals want to avenge a 2-0 home-ice loss to the Canucks on Nov. 26 in which Kevin Lankinen made 33 saves. Interim had coach Joe Sacco has the Bruins pointed in the right direction with a 7-3-0 run and four-straight wins, including rallying from a 3-1 deficit Saturday to beat the Flyers in overtime.
Who to watch: Right winger Brad Marchand
The irritating yet effective captain leads the Bruins with 11 goals, including four game-winners and two in overtime. His winning effort Saturday was at a speed and cutting across top of the slot to tuck the puck between the goalie’s legs. Had six shots and 12 attempts against the Canucks on Nov. 26.