Canucks Schedule: Too many odd-man rushes are 'the only bone to pick'

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If it’s not one thing, it’s another.

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That’s how good NHL teams get better. They keep the positive stuff in perspective and focus on what needs addressing — especially if it’s a bad trend demanding immediate correction before becoming worse.

For everything the Vancouver Canucks did right Saturday in San Jose to hang on for a 3-2 decision to open a three-game road trip — playing at pace with a wide offensive zone possession advantage, better rotations on the power play despite not connecting, and Jake DeBrusk finally scoring — there were ruts on the road to improving to 4-1-0 away from Rogers Arena.

A penchant for giving up odd-man rushes in a rush to produce offence is a step back from being competent and consistent in all zones. Coaches and players must share blame because putting the cart before the horse — offence before defence — can send any team into the ditch.

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“We did some good things and our forecheck was probably one of our best of the year,” Tocchet acknowledged of the Saturday effort. “We still have to worry. There are too many odd-man rushes and that’s something where we really have to make ourselves accountable.

“That’s my only bone to pick. We’re losing that (F3) forward there (forecheck), diving in too much and not to the level that we want. We just have to get back to some fundamentals and all the systems stuff will sort themselves out. Just be more connected on the ice.”

The Canucks were off Sunday before facing the Ducks in Anaheim on Tuesday. Southern California sunshine is always soothing and so is understanding what the Canucks possess. Just two regulation losses in a 5-2-3 start is reason for optimism and reflection because the club remains a work in progress.

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Last year, the accent in training camp and pre-season was positional play. This year, it was to do more off the rush, but not at the price of freewheeling and neglecting responsibilities. In that respect it’s been a mixed bag.

Tocchet doesn’t want guys hanging their heads or displaying frustrated postures.

“To me, it’s the mental aspect of our game,” Tocchet stressed before this trip. “Body language is something we have to work on. Not to the extent of when I first got here, but it’s creeping in.

“That’s my job. The next plateau for us is higher expectations and it’s hard.”

Here’s what awaits the Canucks this week:

Canucks vs. Ducks

When and where: Tuesday 7 p.m. | Honda Center

TV: SN Pacific. Radio: Sportsnet 650

Why watch: Winning circle game is crucial

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The Ducks are flummoxed at faceoffs. After 10 games, they had the worst winning percentage (41.7). Centres Leo Carlsson (25.6) and Trevor Zegras (29.6) have struggled to secure puck possession and gain offensive-zone time. The Ducks also sported a poor 42.27 Corsi percentage and 41.5 per cent rating of expected goals at 5-on-5.

Who to watch: Right-winger Troy Terry

When a third-liner already has five goals on a club that was worst in goals-per-game average (2.20) — and rated 29th on the power play (12.9 per cent) after its first 10 games — it raises eyebrows. Terry also has two power-play goals and a 21.7 per cent shooting accuracy. He had 20 goals last season and 37 in 2021-22. On pace for 40, but 30 is the likely target.

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Canucks vs. Kings

When and where: Thursday 7:30 p.m. | Crypto.com Arena

TV: SN Pacific. Radio: Sportsnet 650

Why watch: Which Kings team shows up

The Kings stretched their home-ice win streak to three Wednesday by cruising to a 6-3 win over the Golden Knights. On Saturday, the Kings had a 2-0 cushion on the visiting Blackhawks and then sagged in allowing Tyler Bertuzzi to make it 3-3 with 31 seconds left in regulation. Chicago was outshot 40-21 but won in the shootout.

Who to watch: Right-winger Alex Laferriere

Struck with the first two goals against the Blackhawks to boost his goal total to eight in a dozen games. The third-round 2020 draft pick, who had just 12 goals in 81 games last season, is playing on the third line but first power play unit with Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe. Of his 11 man-advantage points, just one (goal) has come on that potent alignment.

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Canucks vs. Oilers

When and where: Saturday 7 p.m. | Rogers Arena

TV: SN Pacific. Radio: Sportsnet 650

Why watch: It’s never just another game

Pre-season, regular season or post-season. It’s doesn’t matter. The Oilers are favoured to capture the Stanley Cup. The Canucks will never forget how they rallied and were so close to forcing overtime in Game 7 against their Pacific Division nemesis to advance to the Western Conference final.

Who to watch: Centre Leon Draisaitl

Injured captain Connor McDavid won’t be dishing sweet feeds, but Draisaitl will still set up in his office at the faceoff dot to the left of goalie Kevin Lankinen. It’s were Draisaitl unleashes that quick, heavy and accurate one-timer that finds the short side. Had 16 points (9-7) through first 12 games.

bkuzma@postmedia.com

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