In this edition of the Vancouver Canucks News & Rumors, the Canucks beat the Nashville Predators in the first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Also, Quinn Hughes is a Norris Trophy finalist, while head coach Rick Tocchet is a Jack Adams finalist.
Canucks Best Predators, Play Oilers Next
The Canucks beat the Predators in six games in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. The two teams split the first two games before the Canucks took a 3-1 stranglehold. Nashville managed to survive Game 5 in Vancouver, winning 2-1, but the Canucks closed out the first-round matchup in Game 6.
Canucks had three goaltenders step up for them throughout the series. Thatcher Demko won Game 1 before suffering an injury which kept him out for the remainder of the series. Casey DeSmith stepped in for Game 2 and 3, winning the latter game, but suffered a minor injury, which kept him out for Game 4. As a result, Artur Silovs took over, finishing the series and picking up the final two wins for the club.
The Canucks will now take on their division rival, the Edmonton Oilers. Edmonton beat the Los Angeles Kings in five games to make it to the second round. The two organizations have only played each other in the postseason twice, with the Oilers winning both matchups.
Hughes Named Norris Finalist
On May 1, 2024, the NHL announced the finalists for the Norris Trophy. Canucks captain Hughes was named one of the three nominees. Along with him, Colorado Avalanche defender Cale Makar and Nashville Predators captain Roman Josi were nominated. Makar and Josi both have won the award, while Hughes is a first-time finalist.
Hughes is coming off a career-best season, as he scored 17 goals and posted 92 points in 82 games. The captain led all defencemen in points, and even strength points with 54. He was in second for power-play points by a defenceman with 38 and fourth in plus/minus at plus-38. Hughes played a massive role in the Canucks success this season and the organization returning to the playoffs. He is the front-runner to win the award and could become the first blueliner in franchise history to receive the Norris
Tocchet a Jack Adam Finalist
Along with the captain, Tocchet was also named as a finalist for an award. The…
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