Despite being the higher seed, the Vancouver Canucks are considered underdogs heading into their second-round series against the Edmonton Oilers.
Despite being the higher seed, the Vancouver Canucks are considered underdogs heading into their second-round series against the Edmonton Oilers.
The Vancouver Canucks have proven doubters wrong all season. Even here at The Hockey News, the Canucks were projected to miss the playoffs at the start of the season. That is why it is no surprise that this Vancouver team is once again being doubted as they head into their series against the Edmonton Oilers.
Heading into the series, betting sites and analysis have the Oilers as heavy favourites. On BETMGM, the Canucks are currently listed at 3.20, which is just above a 30% chance of advancing past Edmonton. Vancouver is also not being given a chance at ESPN, as 23 of 24 reporters, analysts and broadcasters have Edmonton winning the series. Despite what feels like the hockey world betting against them, the Canucks are calm and ready for their series versus the Oilers.
When asked about most analysts picking against Vancouver, Rick Tocchet had the perfect response. The Canucks coach said, "I love being doubted. I think if you start at the start of the year, Vancouver's gonna make the playoffs. A lot of people said no or bubble teams over underdogs. Then, as the season went on, when are they going to fall? Now? Same thing when people said the Preds are gonna win when we lost that game there. I just think we kind of like that underdog role, and I think players should embrace it. I really do."
As Tocchet mentioned, it feels like those around the hockey world are trying to look for reasons to doubt Vancouver. First, it was the PDO discussion, then the conversation around if the team can win without Thatcher Demko and now, saying that this will be an easy series win by Edmonton. There were also doubts about specific players at the start of the season, including Quinn Hughes, who is now the Norris Trophy favourite; J.T. Miller, who went on to record over 100 points; Brock Boeser, who finally hit the 40-goal mark and even Nils Nils Höglander who became a valuable member of the top six and ranked tied for 26th in the NHL with 24 even strength goals. If anything, the Canucks ability to smash virtually all negative narratives this year should lead to at least some faith in national hockey media.
This is not going to be an easy series for Vancouver, but the idea that they are entirely outmatched is not factually accurate. Based on the analytics, the Canucks have been a better even-strength team this postseason compared to the Oilers, with the most significant difference between the clubs being that Vancouver could not buy a goal in the first round. Based on the calm demeanour of players and staff in the organization, it feels like the Canucks are ready for whatever is thrown at them as they continue their trend of proving the doubters wrong.
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.
Abbotsford Canucks Fall 4-0 In Game 2 Versus Ontario Reign
Son Of Former Canucks Forward Wins Gold At U18 World Championship
Politicians Place Friendly Wager On Canucks v. Oilers Playoff Series
Predators Series Summary: Vancouver Canucks 2024 Playoff Performers (So Far)
How A 2019 Trade With The Senators Led To The Canucks First Round Series Win In 2024
Canucks Defenseman Saves Game 6 With An Uncomfortable Blocked Shot
Silovs, Suter And Myers Materialize As Canucks' 3 Stars Of Game 6
