The Vancouver Canucks are preparing to take on the high-powered Edmonton Oilers’ power play in the second round of the playoffs. The NHL held a meeting with teams before their second-round matchups, discussing embellishment. Canucks’ head coach Rick Tocchet made a point about this days before Game 1.
“I can’t stand embellishment,” Tocchet stated. “I would be very on guard with the refs this playoff with this embellishment.”
In a recent playoff series between the Kings and Oilers, there was an incident involving embellishment. Kevin Fiala was called for embellishment after being tripped by Warren Foegele.
Tocchet expressed his disapproval of diving and embellishment tactics employed by players in the league. The Canucks are set to face the NHL’s best power play team – the Oilers.
“Colin Campbell said it — too much embellishing,” Tocchet remarked. “I think it’s up to the coaches. If not, the NHL has to do something about that stuff with the refs.”
Who Does This Benefit?: The Canucks or the Oilers?
The timing of Tocchet’s comments could impact either team positively or negatively in the upcoming series. Elite players like McDavid and Draisaitl may face challenges in getting calls despite deserving them due to their playing styles.
There’s a possibility that the Canucks try to capitalize on this situation while dealing with Edmonton’s dominant power play. The Oilers, meanwhile, aren’t known for diving, and it’s crucial for officials to watch both teams closely.
Next: McDavid Out to Change Narrative for Oilers in Series vs. Canucks
