After a tough 6-2 loss to Tampa Bay, the Vancouver Canucks are gearing up for an early showdown against St. Louis with a brief 30-minute practice at UBC. With the Rogers Arena floor set for a lacrosse game, the Canucks found themselves at Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Winter Sports Centre.
Practice Highlights
Filip Hronek, having shouldered a significant workload this season, took a well-deserved day off. The rest of the Canucks' roster hit the ice, including three goalies: regulars Kevin Lankinen and Nikita Tolopilo, along with practice netminder Alex Kotai.
The session was all about high-tempo battle drills. A standout moment occurred when Linus Karlsson delivered a hefty check to Elias Pettersson, sending him sprawling. The hit drew reactions from teammates, but it was all in good spirits as both players laughed it off afterward.
Without any line rushes, head coach Adam Foote kept his cards close regarding potential line-up changes for the game against the Blues. With limited options for change, Foote is considering bringing back Pierre-Olivier Joseph, who’s been sidelined since a March 2nd injury.
Curtis Douglas, a recent healthy scratch, might also see action, following Foote’s trend of rotating players after two-game absences. Nils Hoglander, for instance, returned to the lineup after sitting out two games.
While the Canucks practiced, the Blues were also on the ice at the Father David Bauer rink. Neither team plans to hold a morning skate ahead of the 4pm faceoff.
Inside the Locker Room
Coach Adam Foote described the practice as a "reset" session. After a solid win against Florida, the Canucks got a bit complacent, which showed against Tampa. Foote praised the players for their improved defensive techniques and faster closing speed during practice.
Addressing the team's ongoing struggles in second periods, where they have a -37 goal differential, Foote emphasized the need for growth and smarter play. The long change in the second period has been a challenge, with players extending shifts and getting caught out of position.
Foote believes maturity and better decision-making are key to overcoming these hurdles. The team is making progress, but consistency remains crucial.
As the Canucks prepare for their next game, the focus is on maintaining intensity and making smarter decisions, especially during those tricky second periods. With a few lineup tweaks and a renewed mindset, they’re looking to bounce back strong against the Blues.