Rick Tocchet wanted respect back for his Vancouver Canucks. His former employers in Utah need to jump on the same train.
Everyone knows Rick Tocchet from his time with the Utah NHL team when they were in Arizona.
He helped that franchise gain some respect after a few hard-luck years, and now he's done the same with the Vancouver Canucks.
Even though they were eliminated in Game 7 by the Edmonton Oilers Monday night, Tocchet stated "respect was back in the organization" in his exit press conference.
TSN's Craig Button discussed this with "Donnie and Dhali" on CHEK Radio in Canada:
In my article recently, I stated how to build an identity would serve the organization well; they haven't had a captain for two years, they have talent, but no organized core, and they have no connection with their fanbase.
Craig's comment on emotional connection with the fans are key to the success of Tocchet in Vancouver should strike a particular nerve with Ryan Smith.
From the reception this team has gotten so far, there's no reason why they have a way better emotional connection already.
The question we keep asking is, "Can they take advantage of it?"
Bringing in veteran players won't be enough, especially if they're consistently inconsistent in the playoffs or down the stretch of the year (I'm looking at you, Martin Necas).
But if you got a guy that can connect with the fans like Liam O'Brien — oops, sorry, "Spicy Tuna" — did in the first forum, you've got a pretty good chance.