Canucks coach Rick Tocchet commented on Elias Pettersson’s performance following Vancouver’s 3-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday. Tocchet praised Pettersson’s preparation leading up to the game and appreciated how the forward took accountability for his recent struggles.
“Yeah, I thought his preparation over the last couple of days was strong,” Tocchet said. “As I mentioned to you guys, I’ve liked his approach recently. I respect that he took responsibility for his play when talking with you all. It’s another positive step for him. Now it’s about getting some rest, having a good practice tomorrow, and taking things day by day. Don’t dwell on the past — he had a good game, and we have 21 games left.”
“I try not to get too high-low…Good win but we just got to get back to work tomorrow. That’s the way it is the next six weeks. We’re in a race.”
🗣 Head Coach Rick Tocchet discusses tonight’s win over the Ducks.#Canucks | @theprovince pic.twitter.com/KGU5BRxJUK
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) March 6, 2025
Despite the praise, Pettersson’s offensive struggles continued at Rogers Arena. He logged 20 minutes and 47 seconds of ice time but failed to register a point, finishing with just three shots on goal. His production has declined significantly in 2025, with only one goal to his name so far. Over the last five games, he’s been held to just four shots on net.
Since signing an eight-year, $92.8 million contract in March 2024, Pettersson’s scoring pace has slowed. After a career-high 102 points in the 2022-23 season, his production dipped in the latter half of last year. This season, through 55 games, he’s managed 11 goals and 35 points.
In Wednesday’s game, Anaheim’s Sam Colangelo opened the scoring in the first period. Vancouver responded in the second when Jake DeBrusk tied the game with a power-play breakaway goal. Teddy Blueger gave the Canucks a 2-1 lead with a wrist shot through traffic, and Carson Soucy extended the advantage with a goal set up by Nils Hoglander.
Anaheim’s Brian Dumoulin cut the deficit to 3-2 in the third period, but the Ducks mustered just one shot on goal the rest of the way. Ducks goalie John Gibson left the game in the second period after a collision, with Lukas Dostal stepping in to stop 14 shots. The Canucks stretched their home point streak to five games (4-0-1).
Pettersson himself addressed his struggles after Tuesday’s practice, admitting he hasn’t met personal or team expectations this season.
“I’ll be honest — I haven’t played the way I expect from myself or the way the team expects from me this year,” Pettersson said, via Sportsnet. “I’ll be the first to admit it, but that’s in the past now. I’m focusing on these last 22 games.”
Pettersson added that he’s embracing the pressure, knowing the Canucks need him to elevate his game as they continue their playoff push.