Earlier this week, the Hockey Central Panel talked about what second-half success might look like for the Vancouver Canucks, Winnipeg Jets, Edmonton Oilers, and Toronto Maple Leafs. David Amber, Jamal Mayers, and Luke Gazdic shared their thoughts on each of the four Canadian teams that seemed destined to make the postseason. That video can be seen just below.
Here are their thoughts.
Team One: The Vancouver Canucks
As the panel noted, postseason growth isn’t always linear. While Vancouver has had a stellar regular season, the key to success lies in how they do in the playoffs. The goal is not just winning the Presidents’ Trophy but winning multiple rounds in the postseason. Elias Pettersson is a key player for the team.
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As they discussed the Canucks, the panel made several key points about what the team needs for second-half success. They listed five:
Success One: Get Home Ice Advantage in the Playoffs
The panel believed that a significant goal for the Canucks should be getting the home-ice advantage in the playoffs. Considering their position, maintaining the momentum, and holding onto the top spot in the standings are crucial.
Success Two: Continued Growth as a Group
Success for the Canucks was defined not just in terms of immediate playoff success but as an ongoing growth process. The analysts drew parallels with their own experiences of winning the Presidents’ Trophy but only later making progress in the playoffs.
Success Three: Enjoying the Moments
The analysts encouraged Vancouver fans to savor the team’s current success and enjoy the positive moments. While acknowledging that the team might not be at its pinnacle yet, there was an optimistic outlook that this season represents a positive step forward.
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Success Four: Focus on Regular Season and Conference Finals
The panel expressed confidence in the team and suggested that their hyper-focused mentality (brought by coach Rick Tocchet) could lead to success. The goal is to make the Western Conference Final, with an acknowledgment that winning the Stanley Cup involves going through challenges and growing pains.
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Success Five: Make a Significant Trade Deadline Move
The panellists also suggested that the Canucks might need another significant addition, possibly through a trade, to strengthen the team. That has now happened as the Canucks…
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