NHL: New York Rangers at Vancouver Canucks - Source: Imagn — Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet talked about Elias Pettersson (Source: Imagn)

Vancouver Canucks HC Rick Tocchet "screws around" with media after initial frustration over Elias Pettersson questions

Modified Dec 11, 2024 12:04 GMT

Vancouver Canucks coach Rick Tocchet had a playful exchange with the media after a 4-3 overtime loss to the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday. Tocchet’s comments came after Elias Pettersson scored a goal and added an assist in the loss.

His goal came on the power play, cutting the Blues’ lead to 3-2. When asked about Pettersson's performance in JT Miller’s absence, Tocchet joked around.

"That's what you expect him to do, right? He's doing a good job producing. What else is there to say? You guys are obsessed with Petey; it is Petey, Petey, Petey, every game," Tocchet said.

"You guys are good at it, you analyze the game. Why do I have to? .... I love you guys, but it gets old, like every time, (it's) Petey, I know you want me to say the wrong thing. That's why I'm not falling for that trap anymore. I got full of it."

Pettersson has stepped up in Miller’s absence and continues to produce offensively. Miller has missed the last 10 games, with the Vancouver Canucks winning five and Pettersson scoring 15 points.

"I'm joking. That is a legitimate question." Tocchet clarified. "He's producing. I'm screwing around with you, like he has been producing that JT has been out. Hopefully, with JT coming back, those guys will both produce like they did last year for us. So, yeah, one-two punch."

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Pettersson had a slow start to the season, with only four points in nine games in October. However, he improved in November, scoring 14 points, including six goals. This month, he has eight points in five games, with two multipoint nights.

This season, Pettersson has seven goals and 17 assists in 26 games, totaling 24 points. He's tied for 117th in goals and 40th in assists. Pettersson’s importance to the Canucks is clear as he continues to be a key contributor on offense.

How Vancouver Canucks lost to the Blues in overtime

Dakota Joshua scored the first goal for Vancouver Canucks on a 2-on-1 with Conor Garland. Zack Bolduc tied the game for St. Louis after intercepting a pass and scoring on a one-timer. Thomas gave the Blues the lead with a short-handed goal.

Jordan Kyrou made it 3-1 with a power-play goal. Elias Pettersson reduced the deficit for Vancouver with a power-play goal, assisted by Garland. Jake DeBrusk tied the game at 3-3 with an extra attacker on the ice before Dylan Holloway won it for the Blues in overtime.