New York. The Vancouver Canucks have completely screwed up.
They were leveled again by the Detroit Red Wings last night – this time 6-1 at home.
“We have to go back to elementary school lessons on how to defend yourself in ice hockey,” sighs coach Rick Touchett.
They did get a little boost, Canucks, when Rick Toche took over from Bruce Boudreau a few weeks ago — but it was temporary at best.
Last week, they were as vulnerable and easy to play against as they were on the darkest evening last fall and now they’re in a double embrace against the Red Wings – none of the most formidable opponents in the East, firsthand.
In Detroit last Saturday the numbers were 5-2, at Rogers Arena tonight it was 6-1.
– Yes, the old bad habits are back, poor Toket sighs.
– Looks like we have to bring back elementary school lessons on how to defend yourself in ice hockey.
At the same time, according to their coach, players should show a better attitude when receiving.
This collapse must be stopped. You are not entitled to anything in the NHL. You have to work hard, he points out.
For Detroit, the past 24 hours have been more fun. They still have seven points on the line but at least they’re not quite gone.
‘Johnny Burger’ – ie Jonathan Berggren – scored again last night and so did defender Gustav Lindstrom. He also offered help, just like Oscar Sundqvist.
The Calgary Flames continue to make it difficult for themselves. In last night’s game away against Ottawa – who have now lost goalkeepers Cam Talbot and Anton Forsberg and had to put youngster Dane Mads Sögaard into the box – they led 3-1 with just over two minutes left but lost anyway. The home team scored two quick goals and then decided Tim Stötzl in overtime.
– Difficult and frustrating, we played well for 56-57 minutes and then lost it, says Mikael Backlund.
Eric Bernstrom emerged with the help of the Senators.
Another team that isn’t very good at helping itself is the Nashville Predators. Last night, they had a golden opportunity to catch up with the Western line, but they managed a 4-2 win over Arizona at home at Bridgestone Arena.
Philip Forsberg missed the match due to the injury he picked up on Saturday.
Philip Gustafson had another big game for Minnesota against Florida last night and stopped 33 shots.
But it wasn’t enough for more than points. Going 1-1 at full time, the Panthers won the shootout – thus reaching the threshold of the playoffs.
Gustav Forsling played until the visitor’s goal made it 1-0.