Rick Tocchet calls out Vancouver Canucks’ defense after shootout loss to Blue Jackets

Though the Vancouver Canucks probably had thoughts of victory after a 3-0 first-period lead, they crumbled, losing ultimately to the Columbus Blue Jackets in a hopeless shootout, 7-6. While the Canucks appeared to be in full control offensively in the first, defense became their full worry as the Blue Jackets fought back into the game. Canucks coach Rick Tocchet didn't hold back in his post-game remarks, saying critical mistakes and inability to handle pressure were at the heart of their demise. Vancouver certainly must regroup with playoff aspirations on the line.


Vancouver wasted no time in establishing its dominance early in the game and took advantage of the first opportunities. First up was a power-play goal from Linus Karlsson, followed by goals from Brock Boeser and Jake DeBrusk, building the lead within minutes. This was shortly to shift under their control when Columbus came back with a flurry of attacks in the second. Boone Jenner's goal acted as a kind of signal for the comeback: with Kirill Marchenko and Dante Fabbro completing the victory-from-behind, the lead of the Canucks had indeed been erased with certainty.

It was a real goal buffet in the final period. Once again, Aatu Raty scored to give Vancouver the lead, but Columbus came back and fought tooth and nail. Denton Mateychuk equalized, and then came Boone Jenner with a power-play tally to put the Blue Jackets ahead. The game seemed to be drifting into oblivion as Mathieu Olivier made it 6-5, but Raty's heroics in the waning moments sent it to overtime. In the end, Kent Johnson's decisive shootout goal won the game for Columbus.
Rick Tocchet expressed his post-match frustration at his team's defensive lapses, saying that despite their efforts, it was those key battles lost at crucial moments that had cost them the game. He pointed out that while there were some unfortunate bounces for goaltender Kevin Lankinen, giving up six goals comes close to making a victory impossible.
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The Canucks are still in competition for the playoffs, but their defensive flaws will hinder them from competing. They are six points behind the final wild card spot with a record of 34-26-13. Their inconsistency has cost them dearly. Quinn Hughes and Brock Boeser remain offensively potent, but the team has been unable to hold leads. Top-notch contests will require the sharpening of defense and independence for Vancouver. Failure to adapt will see them fade away quickly from the postseason.