Vancouver coach Rick Tocchet expressed his satisfaction as the Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs, making them one of the final eight teams in contention. The prospect of facing the Edmonton Oilers in an all-Canadian showdown in the next series was particularly exciting for Tocchet.
Under Tocchet's guidance, the Canucks made a remarkable turnaround from missing the playoffs last year to finishing third in the Western Conference this season. They clinched the Pacific Division with 109 points and swept all four games against Edmonton.
