"You Gotta Play Till The End": Canucks Rick Tocchet Expects Strong Performances From His Team For The Remainder Of The 2024-25 Season
Mar 30, 2025; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet gestures during a game against the Winnipeg Jets in the third period at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn ImagesThe Vancouver Canucks are down to their final five games of the 2024-25 regular season. It is an understatement to say that the season has not gone they way they planned, as the Canucks can be eliminated from playoff contention with a regulation loss on Tuesday against the Dallas Stars. That being said, there is still something to play for over the next two weeks as the organization evaluates which players they want back in Vancouver for the 2025-26 season.
Latest From THN’s Vancouver Canucks Site:
During his pre-game press conference on Tuesday, Rick Tocchet spoke about what he expects to see from his team over the final five games. While missing the post-season can be demoralizing, the Canucks Head Coach still wants his team to compete on a nightly basis. That includes against the Stars, who enter Tuesday with a 22-point advantage in the standings.
"In situations like this, nobody is guaranteed stuff. You gotta play till the end. You gotta play hard, and you gotta try some stuff. We're going into a situation where we are tied going into the third period, and there are moments we're looking for people to do. Not so much people, but the team. You got to really work on your details and be mentally strong. That's really that message."
Tocchet also discussed the importance of these final five games when it comes to next season. At this point of the year, players are playing for not just spots on the 2025-26 season, but also contract extensions or opportunities to sign big deals around the NHL. As Tocchet mentions, even if these games don't have meaning in the standings, players still need to show up as they are always being evaluated.
"I think they know. I don't have to tell them. The one thing, like I said, the message is people watch how you approach any type of game, especially down the stretch drive. People shouldn't think that they have jobs or whatever. I don't care who you are; you never think that way. That's why it is important that we put a good effort in tonight."
Vancouver embarks on their last road trip of the season as they travel to Dallas to take on the Stars. The Canucks are 0-2 this season against Dallas, and have been outshot 9-4 in the two games. Puck drop is scheduled for 5:00 pm PT from the American Airlines Center.
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.
The Hockey News