Canucks HC Rick Tocchet makes his feeling known about 'crisper, harder' warmups ahead of Red Wings game

The Vancouver Canucks are set to face the Detroit Red Wings (10-11-2) early Sunday as they near the end of their road trip. The puck drop starts at 9:30 a.m. PT after the team’s overtime win on Friday afternoon. With a 3-1-0 record in their last four games, the Canucks hope to keep their newfound winning momentum going.

After practice, coach Rick Tocchet spoke to the media about his thoughts on game preparation. He highlighted the need to adjust to Detroit’s man-on-man defensive style.

"Yeah, we're playing a team, man-on-man, so you’ve got to really get off your check." Tocchet said. "You’ve got to really play inside today. That's the game plan. Get the puck to the net. You really want to play inside when you play a man-on-man team.

The Red Wings have strong players like Dylan Larkin, and Tocchet emphasized the importance of keeping them in check.

"Desperate team, you know, they've got some Dylan Larkins—a great player — so we've got to make sure we keep him in check." Tocchet said.

Tocchet also stressed the importance of better warmups before the game.

"You’ve got to really warm up differently. You know your warmup's got to be a little bit crisper, harder, I think," he explained. "You know, almost like we're good at practicing, so it's almost like, hey, just getting ready for practice, but it's a real game. So I'm actually going to see how we play here today."

Vancouver has demonstrated teamwork and focus during this road trip. Tocchet’s emphasis on sharp warmups and disciplined play will help prepare the team for the challenge in Detroit.

Vancouver Canucks seal 4-3 overtime win over the Buffalo Sabres

Vancouver Canucks celebrate a goal against the Buffalo Sabres (Credits: IMAGN)

The Vancouver Canucks won 4-3 in overtime against the Buffalo Sabres on Friday. Bowen Byram gave Buffalo a 1-0 lead in the first period. Jake DeBrusk tied the game 1-1 in the second period with a rebound goal.

In the third period, Conor Garland scored on the power play to give Vancouver a 2-1 lead. Pius Suter extended the lead to 3-1 after blocking a shot from Tage Thompson and scoring on a breakaway.

Buffalo came back as Dylan Cozens scored to make it 3-2 at 13:18 in the third period, but Alex Tuch tied the game at 3-3. Garland scored the game-winning goal and his second of the matchup in overtime (3:59) with a backhand shot off a pass from Quinn Hughes. Kevin Lankinen’s 31 saves helped the Canucks improve to 12-7-3.