Why Rick Tocchet’s deep systems dive needs right plan, right players

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The well-worn adage was a reminder to the Vancouver Canucks of what awaited in the NHL playoff grind.

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They knew time and space would be at a premium amid the rapid rise in testosterone levels and better forechecking and adherence to team defence by the opposition.

The Canucks responded with the fewest shots per outing (20.8) and were 10th in goals (2.54) among 16 postseason clubs. They simply didn’t score enough, despite nearly advancing to the Western Conference final, and it’s why a deep off-season dive into finding the net more often was Rick Tocchet’s season-ending message.

In a copy-cat league, teams will try what worked for others, but the Canucks need to be bolder. They need to think outside of the box to ensure systems can be effective in the regular season and the playoffs, and especially off the rush.

Shots on net were often overshadowed by so many that missed the mark. And seam passes seldom found the mark. Hard to ignore and not address.

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“I’d be crazy not to and I’ve got to do a deep dive,” admitted the Canucks bench boss. “There are simple things like hitting the net and working on your shot and changing angles. It’s my job to make sure guys keep developing those skills.

“We have good minds in the room and the staff. I know a lot of people like shot volume, but I’m not sure about throwing the puck at the net with nobody in front. We need more of a presence and I need to give the players something at training camp to look at offensively.

“We were heavy on systems last training camp, and the next camp will be more creativity and skill-oriented. But the good old fashioned get to the net is something I have to get, too.”

However, generating rush chances and converting at a higher rate has to be a goal for next season. It just can’t be wire shots from the point or slot and hope there’s a screen, tip, deflection or rebound to score goals.

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The whole idea, especially in the playoffs, is to get the opposition skating backward and cause confusion with rushes at speed that also involve blueliners jumping into the play.

Look at what that has done for Evan Bouchard of the Edmonton Oilers. He has the mobility, anticipation and heavy shot to sit third in postseason scoring with 29 points (6-23) and shots (66) in 22 games, including three game-winning goals.

“It comes from execution and getting your defencemen into the rush,” added Tocchet. “We have to be better off the rush and it’s another thing we have to look at.”

To accomplish all that, Tocchet requires input and innovation from his large staff that includes new assistant coach Yogi Svejkovsky and Henrik and Daniel Sedin, who will have expanded roles.

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It also requires the right players.

Thirteen of 33 postseason goals in 13 outings came from free agents who may not be here next fall in Elias Lindholm (5), Dakota Joshua (4) and Nikita Zadorov (4). And two by Zadorov came from jumping into the play.

The Canucks were more effective in the regular season with 3.40 goals per game that ranked sixth overall, but were rated 26th in shots per outing at 28.4. It still produced a career 40-goal season by Brock Boeser, of which 16 came via the power play, while J.T. Miller had a personal best 37 goals and Elias Pettersson 34 among 20 players who hit double digits.

What does this all mean? A need to finish is usually predicated by elite talent.

Who should play the left side with Miller and the right side with Pettersson? The third line could be left with Conor Garland and players to be named later.

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The Canucks’ ongoing quest for a top-six winger with a playoff pedigree has been of paramount importance. Unrestricted free agent Jake Guentzel remains on the radar because of his past with the local hockey operations staff and scoring when it really matters.

Guentzel, 29, has 38 career playoffs goals in 69 games and had 30 this season with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Carolina Hurricanes. His 21 postseason points (13-8) as a Penguins rookie and Stanley Cup champion in 2017 carry a lot of weight with what the Canucks need to take the next step.

And Guentzel’s nine points (4-5) in 11 playoff games this season were further proof of current and future value.

The Hurricanes dangled a mid-round draft pick as collateral for exclusive negotiation rights for Guentzel before free agency opens July 1. For the Canucks, who don’t possess first or second-round picks in 2024, parting with their third selection depends on their comfort level.

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They can’t afford to sign Lindholm and may also go that route with Zadorov and Joshua, even though Zadorov wants to stay, but would have his monetary day in free agency. Same for Joshua.

It would create roster holes, but also opens up salary cap space to take a run at Guentzel now or make the big pitch on July 1, if no other suitor bites on the pick-for-negotiation leg up.

Guentzel’s expiring cap hit is $6 million US and he could hit $9 million in free agency. If the Omaha native chooses to stay in the U.S., he would have several suitors, including the Chicago Blackhawks. They have plenty of capital and Connor Bedard needs a top-flight winger.

“A top-six winger would be nice and we need to add some speed,” said Canucks general manger Patrik Allvin.

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A lot of his peers would say the same.

bkuzma@postmedia.com

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