HC Rick Tocchet delivers scathing critique of some Vancouver Canucks players' struggles after 5-1 loss to Boston Bruins

By ARJUN B

Modified Dec 15, 2024 12:48 GMT

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Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet didn't hold back in his assessment of some of his players following the team's 5-1 loss to the Boston Bruins on Saturday night.

The Canucks looked outmatched for most of the game, only managing to get on the board in the third period with a goal from Max Sasson after the Bruins had built a 5-0 lead. David Pastrnak, Pavel Zacha, Morgan Geekie, Brad Marchand and Marc McLaughlin scored for Boston.

"We have, let's face facts, four of five guys, they're struggling," Tocchet told reporters. "They're struggling to get emotionally invested in the game... That's my job, to get those certain guys, we've got to find another gear for them. (5.30)

Tocchet acknowledged that the coaches had a specific game plan going into the matchup, but lamented that certain players simply failed to execute it properly. Tocchet suggested the lack of adherence to the game plan was perplexing and disappointing.

While being critical of some, the Canucks coach did praise others for working hard despite the lopsided score. When discussing their issues with holding possession, Tocchet noted:

"Not just the defense, it's a group. But some guys tried tonight, so can't throw everybody out of the bus. Some guys really worked hard tonight." (2.10)

He also acknowledged their players being nervous despite playing on home ice.

“I don't know why, but guys are tense at home for whatever reason,” Tocchet added. “We seem a little bit more relaxed on the road to make a play. Here, for some reason. . . we just want to punt it as soon as we get it. So we've got to figure that out.

Thatcher Demko made 23 saves in the loss, while Jeremy Swayman stopped 19 saves.

Max Sasson scores first NHL goal during Canucks loss to Bruins

Max Sasson's first NHL goal came in the third period after receiving a pass from J.T. Miller, who fired a shot from the right face-off dot to beat Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman.

"Obviously this goal means a lot, you know, my first ever in the NHL," Sasson said after the game."I'll try to appreciate it but obviously the goal is to win. That was a tough game and tough performance but nonetheless, obviously it's good to see a puck go in."

Coach Rick Tocchet praised the rookie's first NHL goal despite the team's loss.

"He's had a couple (chances) since last game, you know, he's making the most of his opportunity," Tocchet said.

While Sasson will cherish scoring his first NHL goal, the focus now shifts to bouncing back when the Canucks host the Avalanche on Monday night.