After a dismal start to the season, the Vancouver Canucks appear to be improving under new coaching and management.
Francesco Aquilini, Chairman and Governor NHL, Vancouver Canucks, announced today significant changes to the team’s front office and coaching staff, and confirmed a search for new Hockey Operations leadership is underway.
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— Vancouver #Canucks (@Canucks) December 6, 2021
They’ve won three games in a row for the first time all season following a shootout win over Winnipeg last night. The change came after a disappointing loss at home last week where a jersey was thrown onto the ice of Rogers Arena.
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Sportsnet 650 host Bik Nizzar says while the addition of Bruce Boudreau behind the bench helps, the hiring of Hall of Famer Jim Rutherford is important for giving the team more credibility. Rutherford has already won Stanley Cups in Carolina and Pittsburgh as well.
“He brings instant credibility, and perhaps a bit more respect across the league as well as someone who has been proven to be active but also a tough negotiator,” said Nizzar.
“As far as the coaching change, the players almost feel like they’re playing with a renewed spirit. After 25 games, it hasn’t gone well, and you see a coaching change. It almost feels like a clean slate to the players, kind of a palate cleanser to restart your season.”
The @Canucks are 3-0 under Bruce Boudreau pic.twitter.com/Y5h8B7gdVE
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 11, 2021
A couple of players — like Brock Boeser and Nils Hoglander — stick out to Nizzar in particular.
“You start to see that confidence, and hopefully some other guys start seeing that,” he said. “Now it’s about collecting that together and sustaining these types of performances.”
They haven’t lost since making management changes, and will look to win their fourth straight tomorrow when they host the Carolina Hurricanes.