The Vancouver Canucks and Nashville Predators ranked fourth and fifth in hits this season.
The Vancouver Canucks and Nashville Predators ranked fourth and fifth in hits this season.
Physicality plays an essential role in the playoffs. It is a great way to wear the opposition down and can set the tone for the entire series. That being said, teams also need to stay disciplined, as a borderline hit could lead to power plays, which in turn could cost a team a game or the series.
The Vancouver Canucks and Nashville Predators' first-round series contains two of the most physical teams in the NHL this season. Vancouver ranked fourth, with 2,178 hits, while Nashville finished fifth with 2,149. This is not lost on both Rick Tocchett and Andrew Brunette, as both coaches expect a physical series ahead.
"I think it's important, said Brunette when asked about his team's physical play. "I think we both forecheck really well; I think we stay on top of them. I think we have very similar styles and play in a lot of different ways. So we battle, and I feel good about our group, physicality we kind of embrace it."
As for Tocchet, he explained that players must be ready to sacrifice their bodies in order to win. While players do put their bodies on the line throughout the regular season, the playoffs are different as everything is intensified. Overall, Tocchet's message was simple: he needs his team to be ready for what should be a tough series.
"You got to embrace the pain, said Tocchet. "There's gonna it's gonna be pain, and you gotta love it. I'm being serious. You got to crave that walk to the bus when you're tired. You're limping, or you gotta cut. That should be something you crave. Don't be afraid of it. These guys have watched playoff hockey. They've seen this year where there's been some games, there's been some heavy pressure games and buildings we've gone into so they've got a little taste. Obviously, it's ramped up, it's a different level, but you just got to make sure that can't shy away from them and you got to play uncomfortable."
While physicality is important, players also need to keep their emotions in check and not force the refs to call penalties. There are going to be scrums throughout the series, which could easily result in power plays as the refs try to prevent situations from escalating. Brunette, who played 49 postseason games during his NHL career, understands how important it is to stay out of the box and will be looking for his players to keep calm throughout the series.
"I think with our physicality, we've done a pretty good job of staying out, said Brunette. "I think we've been pretty disciplined in what we do. We've maybe taken some penalties in different situations offensively, but I think with the physicality part, I don't really see us having an issue with that. Now, emotions are gonna ramp up; things are gonna get a little bit carried away. We have to make sure emotions are in check."
When asked about discipline, Tocchet mentioned that the Canucks can not put themselves in a situation where the refs are forced to call a penalty. This means keeping sticks down and playing a clean but still physical game. Tocchet also mentioned that he hopes both teams don't fling their head back in order to draw penalties, which has been a point of emphasis from Vancouver's coach multiple times this season.
"I think in the first round, the refs probably call the same as the regular season, said Tocchet. "They want to set the tone. It's the same thing we preach all year. It's the stick penalties. You gotta keep your stick down. You gotta stay with your details. Aggressive, tough hockey doesn't mean you have your stick in the air or elbowed somebody in the head. It's legally checking the guy, hard confrontation in front and hopefully, both teams don't snap their heads back."
Ultimately, this series may come down to which team can be physical without crossing the line. Penalties that stem from emotional moments are going to be called, but what will be important is if players can learn and handle the situation better next time. With two experienced coaches behind the bench who have been on long playoff runs, players should turn to them for advice if frustrated rather than try to take it out on the opposition.
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