Höglander Ready To Impress In First Stanley Cup Playoffs Appearance
Last year in Abbotsford, Höglander was tied for the team lead with six points in six AHL playoff games.
Photo by Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports - Höglander Ready To Impress In First Stanley Cup Playoffs AppearanceThe Vancouver Canucks are having a season to remember. Multiple players are setting career highs, while the 105 points Vancouver has collected is tied for the third most in franchise history. While many players have had standout performances, few have seen the growth that Nils Höglander has exhibited throughout the season as the young Swede has gone from being healthy scratched to a crucial part of the Canucks top-six.
Höglander's success this season can be traced back to his stint with the Abbotsford Canucks last year. Höglander played 45 games in the AHL during the 2022-23 campaign, recording 32 points and playing a significant role on a nightly basis. As he explains, while it wasn't easy being sent down, getting the opportunity to work on his overall game has helped him become the player he is today.
"I feel like learning the system more," said Höglander. "I feel like I've always had those skills and quickness, but I needed to see the game better out there."
During his time with Abbotsford, Höglander also had the opportunity to participate in the AHL playoffs. He finished tied for the team lead with six points in six games and helped the Canucks capture their first postseason win and series victory in franchise history. While the playoff run only lasted six games, it was a good learning experience for Höglander and one he can look back on as he prepares for this NHL postseason.
"I mean, playoffs are playoffs. It's getting tougher. I mean, it was so much fun last year in Abbotsford to play in the playoffs, and I can't wait for this here. The fans were amazing during that time."
One of the reasons Höglander has been able to stick in the top six is his chemistry with Elias Pettersson. The two have played over 330 minutes at five-on-five together and have rarely been separated over the past 25 games. Overall, their play styles work well together and have resulted in them becoming an effective duo that Rick Tocchet can continually rely on.
"I mean, Petey is Petey, one of the most skilled guys in the league. He helps me out a lot, and I just tried to fill his shoes with hard work, winning puck battles and those kinds of small things.
While there are still three games left on the schedule, Höglander has already started thinking about the upcoming playoffs. It is safe to say the anticipation for Game 1 is building in Vancouver as the city is set to host a Stanley Cup Playoffs game for the first time since 2015. After what Höglander experienced last year in Abbotsford, he is excited for the atmosphere the fans will create over what will hopefully be a long playoff run.
"I think that's what everyone wants to play in front of. It Feels like the fans have been amazing all year. End of the season, and now, when they go into the playoffs, the fans are gonna be more pumped. So yeah, it's so much fun to play for them, and I think it's for everyone because it's a little bit of extra boost from the fans when you're out there and play and hear them screaming and cheering for us."
Höglander is the type of player who should play a significant role in the postseason. Despite his size, he isn't afraid to play a physical brand of hockey, as evidenced by his 95 hits on the season while also mastering the art of getting under the opponent's skin. Overall, the Canucks patience with Höglander is paying off, as he has become a key member of Vancouver's lineup.
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