How Tocchet Turned The Canucks Into A Contender

One year ago, Bruce Boudreau was handed his walking papers by the Vancouver Canucks in what can be described as unsavoury circumstances. His replacement, Rick Tocchet, was walking into a hornets nest. The team had no identity on the ice and had a fractured dressing room. How was Tocchet going to turn this ship around? By simply preaching structure, habits, and standard. In this video, we take a deep dive into how Tocchet turned the Canucks into legitimate contenders.
As always, if you guys enjoyed this video, please like, comment, and smash that subscribe button!

[@mensrea1251]

Tocchet, Foote, Gonchar, the Sedins, Clark - holy crap, that’s pretty much a nuclear powered coaching staff right there.

[@IanStrain23328]

Yep, lots of good quality NHL games under their belts, not sure if Clark has any NHL games under his belt but he's still a really good goalie coach and why our goaltending is very solid

[@Eastvanucks]

U forgot mike yeow hes coach the wild and blues i belive

[@shawnlee8734]

If we get Kesler to coach the centres I'd luv that... idk if he's good at coaching though lol

[@bananian]

Wait what the sedins, foote, and Gonchar are coaching the nux?? 😮 I mean it would make sense. I still see the sedins cycling DNA in this new team.

[@Matanumi]

@@shawnlee8734 I wouldn't want Kelser anywhere near the organization with how he left it. No thanks stay in America selling your perfume or whatever

[@behonestwithyourself3718]

I liked how they named Hughes the captain early. Smart move on the creating an identity for the team. The nucks look stoic out there this year in all situations. Soo pumped for this team!!

[@bradfarrell9147]

Great video. Exciting to know Canucks are in such good hands. Always liked Tocchet as a player as he was hardworking and honest. Seems that way as a coach now.

[@the6ig6adwolf]

A team that scores first often and can hold a lead after 2 periods is exactly the kind of team that wins a Stanley Cup. Let's hope they stay healthy and hungry.

[@metalheadcol]

Oooohhh that's a hot take, what happened against the Avs last night? Held a 3-1 lead going into the 3rd then choked it away 😂😂

[@the6ig6adwolf]

@@metalheadcol was Demko in net? Guess they didn't stay healthy. You're clearly a hockey wiz, looking for month old comments in an attempt to make yourself look clever. How's that for a hot take?

[@Matanumi]

.... or give up leads and then go to steal the game in the end...

[@the6ig6adwolf]

@@Matanumi whatever works 🤷

[@owenhilderley431]

I'm just praying they all stay healthy for the playoffs 🙏

[@hyperrabbit1710]

Excellent recap. Canucks haven't played with this sort of discipline since Vigneault.

[@bananian]

How tf is a man like this ever let go of from other teams??

[@moosethegoosey]

For so many players to be having career years on the same team is a testament to his coaching.

[@user-im3tb2in6v]

Tocchet has the right "touch," a players' coach.

[@michaelmcbride2670]

Bruce’s departure will always make me a little teary eyed, but Tocchet’s done an amazing job.

[@MrPointmidget]

Bruce is a wonderful person, but he wasn't the right guy for the job. It was overly obvious he wasn't going to stay in Vancouver long term, but the way they strung him along was cruel. That being said, that scenario wasn't Tocchet's fault, and he's excelled in this position under some of the most challenging circumstances.

[@brucemacmillan9581]

I was skeptical about the Tocchet hire at first. But... he and his coaching staff have done a great job halfway thru the current season. Keep it going boys!

[@brettonnapoleon1966]

Well put together video kept me engaged the whole time

[@AnSturbin]

This team was right under our noses last year. Just a few key tweaks

[@Matanumi]

And now look where they are holy shit

[@Fallout3131]

@@MatanumiI love you

[@TheDrdressup]

Great video. Learned a lot of really interesting things I didn't know. Well put together with no needless time-wasting areas. Thanks, I'll be looking forward to future content

[@jamiereid7428]

Great breakdown, looking forward to more from you.

[@barbiedueck2273]

Love your videos! … it’s been a long time since I’ve really followed my team, the Canucks. You are helping me really “get into it” go Canucks goooooooo

[@darranedmundson1505]

Excellent analysis. Subscribed. Yes, do a video on the Canucks' goalie coach.

[@The-Dom]

Damn i didnt know the coaching staff was stacked with HoFers like that.

[@bananian]

Yeah wtf, I didn't know the sedins were coaching! No wonder I could still see the sedins DNA in Canucks' game.

[@gregscott3479]

Organizational Alignment. Owner hires Rutherford, Rutherford hires GM Allvin, Coach Tochett. Then they assemblie an Elite Coaching Staff. (Sedin Twins, A Foote, S Gonchar I Clarke) An overlooked element for continued success is control over the Coaching, Development and systems of their AHL Team This team is only an hour away and the Canucks control the development and systems their prospects learn

[@TheBluelineHockey]

Abbotsford looking real good, already produced Hoglander and Juulsen. Bains, Raty, and Podz next.

[@pifuskinz]

Love the video, one take i would say is if you have those hot mics or the recordings of the players saying that, it would add so much. (not sure if you get demonetized for adding them). Again fantastic video

[@jimanderson6016]

Great video. Thank you

[@healthwealth1261]

Excellent vid! = easy sub... This is what the 'out of market' sceptics don't get about the canucks success this year... The world class on ice performance is the result of a world class management team extracting every drop of talent and potential out of the players. Right coach for this team at the right time... I also have never watched every coach lost game until Tocchet, I love how direct and real he is... Refreshing

[@healthwealth1261]

(Post game)

[@daveeamerful]

Straight up amazing content from an educated, well-spoken, analysis of the Canucks. I am impressed. I subscribed

[@TheBluelineHockey]

Thank you! More content coming down the pipeline

[@remimk]

I'd love to see a video about Ian clark and a deep dive into Hugh Captain ability. remember his outburst at the leafs game when they lost their 3-0 lead? I wonder what that means for the team

[@RobDucharme]

5:28 Hughes was in fact vocal. Just not to the media where it didn't matter...

[@dannorman866]

Well done video!

[@pia_adventures]

Brilliant video analysis! Been a fan since 1970…. You made me love the Canucks even more… the Whole New Organization! Thank you and keep up the great work!!!!

[@TheBluelineHockey]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@stevocanuck]

jack adams is his to lose

[@RyobiCEO]

Phenominal video man

[@bucketmcpretty9786]

Well done video! Thanks!

[@austinchang5039]

Great video. I think this may be our year.

[@kleung9717]

we have a waited 50 years, dont we deserve it?

[@eunsangjeon1737]

Great video. Thanks.

[@gabrielidusogie9189]

What a breakdown of the X’s and O’s of not just the hockey but also the life lessons

[@Tibeerious]

Excellent analysis brother

[@TheBluelineHockey]

Much appreciated

[@lazzereyes7466]

Wicked deadly. Awesome video. Thank you buddy.

[@TheBluelineHockey]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jasonjansen9831]

This season I'm really enjoying watching all the clueless journalists, pundits, 'analysts' who hated on Tocchet and doubted this core. Now they can take a big massive L.

[@joeonthego8247]

A very strange situation for Tocchet to be put in when the previous coach situation was so public and handled poorly. It really looks different this year from previous and he has done a great job at developing chemistry by keeping certain linemates together. Thank you for putting a great video together, I hope Sportsnet media can take notice and make acknowledgement as well, they are ignoring such a great hockey team.

[@TheBluelineHockey]

It is quite annoying to see the preferential treatment that the Leafs are getting, but that is why I am here, to fill the gap in Canucks coverage!

[@TolegenX]

Great video

[@lucasacchetti4519]

Great video!!!! Wonderful content!!!!

[@TheBluelineHockey]

Thanks so much!

[@kevinfromttt]

Great video !

[@randoir1863]

Damn fine breakdown!

[@TheBluelineHockey]

Thank you!

[@my3ung]

One thing to consider with the 2022/23 GAA is that Demko was injured early, and we rotated two backup goalies as starters. This year, Demko has been playing great like he did in the bubble season, while DeSmith has also given us solid starts. Tocchet has definitely improved the team team structure for sure.

[@Matanumi]

Meanwhile demko is out again and slivos steps up and offers high caliber play. Nuts

[@my3ung]

@@Matanumi Ian Clarke is the man behind the scenes

[@LuPUNCHES]

Awesome vid

[@mikepfeiffer74]

Thank you so much Rick for showing the team how to be proud of there talent and there team mates and the city they play for I think coach of the year is a no brainer

[@popeyesailor9571]

I saw hockey in 1972 with the Oakland Seals. I was already in a drum corps and we practiced a lot but not too much. my team folded so I root for canucks since they are west but not LA. My drum corps has won 21 world championships since 76 because the staff stays and treats the members like adults. Bobby knight took hoosiers basketball team to watch the local drum corps there practice. it takes dedication structure and preparedness to win. Tocchet has these values and I wish he would take the Nucks to go watch a local drum corps practice. all of them are good because of it.

[@wrrkzyt]

Damn bro I thought you would have atleast 20k subs lol video is well put together💪🏼 earned a sub

[@TheBluelineHockey]

Thanks!

[@als1023]

Same thoughts

[@user-dg1gy9cj9b]

That's a really good video.

[@nanaimoshoerepair]

Great video, you've hit it right on. i think the future is great for the Canucks World, it is very bright indeed

[@TheBluelineHockey]

Thanks!

[@mikem237]

excellent Tocchet essay

[@TheBluelineHockey]

Much appreciated!

[@leonardmccannon3136]

Tocchet deserves credit for the things coaches can control. Being a coach is like being a political leader. They accept far more credit than they deserve when things go well, and receive far more blame than they deserve when things go wrong - because there is so much entirely out of their control. There is nothing like losing to make the team fractured in the dressing , and nothing Ike winning to make a team happy as a group. The biggest differences are not about coaching although they certainly dont hurt. What has been the biggest differences? The Canucks have a healthy Demko to start the season and he is playing like a Vezina candidate. The Canucks management did a fine job shoring up the depth in their defence - that was widely understood to be their greatest weakness. They have added players making the third and fourth lines very sold and effective. AND Various players have significantly raised the level of play this year. It’s the perfect storm of things going right - the rarest of events in CanuckLand. If the team stays healthy under the solid coaching and staff in place, they should stay near the top of the standings.

[@TheBluelineHockey]

I agree with your first paragraph, as for the biggest differences, yes Demko has been rock solid but the structural changes implemented by Tocchet have led to fewer high danger chances against. You can also see this in how well the backup goalie DeSmith has fared vs the backups last season.

[@kassiekatze3097]

I don’t think people hated Toc because of who he is as a person, player or coach. I think we (yes I was one of them) hated him because of how Bruce exited and he just happened to be the person to replace him. You can toss anyone else into the same situation and he wouldn’t have received a welcome that’s any warmer.

[@keithrobinson2941]

Top fitness must have a big effect on the third period. It's got to confer an advantage over the opponent.

[@KreelHutchinson]

Good video 👍

[@vancitycanucks]

I think either player could've been captain but I'm glad they are both working together.

[@gilbertayala1069]

Well said..

[@AXXeYY]

this makes me happy!! lets goo!!

[@northhaven2501]

If he handles the team like he does the media, no wonder he getting results. Tocchet stays focused, and demands respect.

[@bananian]

Dang, now i feel compelled to inject some structure habit and discipline into my life.

[@DUDE72341]

Personally I think tochett as one of top 40 power forwards to ever play the game has a chip on his shoulder..never inducted into the Hall of fame..I believe the motivation at his age is to put the icing on the cake of his legacy!

[@sparky3006]

I concur

[@kleung9717]

please bring us the cup, i remembered i was crying when we lost the game 7 to the bruins in 2011. please god help us

[@dawson8364]

Can't wait for the Ian Clark video.

[@BigSleepyJoeCooking]

The thing about the nucks that makes me believe they will go far in the playoffs is that if they have a lead they can just shut it down

[@TheBluelineHockey]

I agree, a huge ability to have in the playoffs

[@TolegenX]

Kessel's whisperer is insane coach.

[@thebigpicture2032]

Would love to see a video on Ian Clarke

[@szahmad2416]

THIS is what needs to happen (and won’t) to the Leafs.

[@danielupsdell2697]

Tocchet is coaching the way he played that is why we are winning

[@arvinaujla48]

amazing vifeo

[@TheBillaro]

i remember his first interview. he said "this situation is bs". i was wondering if that would blow up in his face. but he got them to buy in. high five bos s😊

[@staffan144]

You are forgetting how changing GM to Patrik Alvin, and then all the moves he made, including changing the coach and several good trades, also helped to turn Vancouver around. Very quickly.

[@TheBluelineHockey]

I made a video on Allvin already.

[@strannick2212]

Tocchet's nose tells you everything you need to know about his coaching style

[@moncefelfadili2257]

I love him

[@mikaelhedqvist3876]

Next time Canucks borrow your Zambonidriver so Laff MAYBE can win😂😂😂

[@Matanumi]

This has already aged pretty damn well shit

[@matthewlo7868]

Meet. Pressure. With. Pressure.

[@pucz8215]

Tocchet is great but more needs to be said why tf Canucks kept green as long as they did

[@MrMysteryman2011]

6:10 did muller absolutely dirty there.

[@sroyal2469]

As long as the ownership doesn’t meddle the Canucks will progress

[@olmrgosh1128]

One more point tomorrow will make it 70 points that means by February or mid march the Vancouver Canucks will clinch there spot in the 2024 Stanley cup playoffs

[@daichikhatri9362]

Nice hug by hoggie

[@mikepfeiffer74]

nice call blueline its a total effert in coaching everyone from top to end of organization has to be one and the weird thing I beilieve is you still need a bit of puck luck to win it aaalLLLLL

[@TheBluelineHockey]

True, Bieksa’s winner in 2011 against San Jose is the perfect example of puck luck!

[@craigster123ful]

Can you get monetized when you're using all this footage? I need answers.

[@TheBluelineHockey]

The short answer is yes. Longer answer is more complicated. You can get a claim from the original source holder, but before you create content you should review the KZbin Copyright Policy.

[@MSmith-cp1tz]

It all started when Aquilini went to Jim Rutherford's home and asked for his help.

[@cdnsilverdaddy]

It is about objectivity

[@DUDE72341]

Leadership is first, but players need to be coachable, you hope enough players buy in(drink the koolaid) then let them fire up, and motivate the rest of the player on the bench..success is contagious. It must be alot of fun on that team this year...

[@kfchickenbucket3080]

ok but why does miller look like adolf hitler at 6:07 tho XD

[@cb613]

Nobody remembers the Rick tocchet Wayne betsky fiasco...

[@TheBluelineHockey]

People remember, it was brought up when he was hired. But people don’t care, just look at how normalized gambling is now. Also, people deserve a second chance. Tocchet paid his debt to society.

[@cb613]

@@TheBluelineHockey toccchet didn't repay anything clown.

[@TheBluelineHockey]

He did 2 years of probation which counts as “paying your debt to society.” Before you go around and call people clowns, do your research.

[@cb613]

@@TheBluelineHockey you're a clown

[@coryjohn4057]

Jim. RUTHERFORD!

[@CashMacGregor]

aqulini hired a head coach a couple of days before he hired rutherford and alvin. about the stupidist move i've ever seen in professional sports. of course they didn't want him. terrible coach.

[@1q3er5]

the thing i disagree with is our Def isn't that good - we still rely heavily on demko to make BiG saves.

[@lannon4prez]

I feel like kuzmenko is gonna be a healthy scratch if he doesn’t play well tomorrow. He has looked absolutely terrible. I dunno if i’ve ever seen a guy look so tense and lost. I’d like to be wrong but i think he’s gonna get dealt if he doesn’t come around soon. For some reason, hoglanders name keeps coming up in trade rumors and i don’t see that happening. If it does, i’d be very disappointed unless the return is elite.

[@jamiereid7428]

Absolutely. Kuzmenko was completely invisible for that whole rod trip. Only reason he might not get moved is that his value is probably fairly low, despite last years 39 goals.

[@lannon4prez]

This aged well.

[@tokki2490]

i dont think it was the coach. its the fact that they have a healthy demko and went out and got some defensemen.

[@averagejoe7133]

Tocchet has never had success before as a coach. The Canucks have 1 good season and now he's one of the best coaches on the planet?

[@timw4369]

Tocchet didn't do that much. Coaches are basically cheerleaders and motivators. Yeah he may have instilled more defense but confidence is how players get better.

[@mensrea1251]

lol so the same players from last year just magically righted themselves and not just by a little but from last to first in the entire league? What are you on man. Instead of making up your mind beforehand just look at the evidence in front of your eyes. It’s super easy to tell you’ve never actually been a leader anywhere and have zero clue all the hundreds of things big and small it takes to create a winning organization.

[@user-uu2ou7gr7z]

Great video. Learned a lot of really interesting things I didn't know. Well put together with no needless time-wasting areas. Thanks, I'll be looking forward to future content

[@patrickbaklava7297]

Great video