The Vancouver Canucks have advanced to the next round of the NHL playoffs following a Game 6 victory over the Nashville Predators Friday night.
A goal from Canucks forward Pius Suter in the final two minutes of the game’s third period led the team to a 1-0 win. The Predators pulled their goalie in the game’s final moments, but were unable to force the match into overtime.
The Canucks will now play against the Edmonton Oilers in the second round of the Western Conference.
Vancouver head coach Rick Tocchet spoke to the media on Thursday.
“I love the fact that every play matters, especially now. … Every play is really valued even more,” he said.
“I think we need to get some more shots and some more offence.”
The Vancouver International Airport got in on the hype Friday, hoisting a massive “Go Canucks Go” banner emblazoned with the team’s orca logo from its air traffic control tower.
Excitement was extremely high in the Lower Mainland with numerous watch parties including in Port Coquitlam, Delta, and Burnaby.
A large crowd is expected to gather along Surrey’s Scott Road to celebrate tonight’s victory.
A ticketed viewing party at Rogers Arena for the game was sold out by Thursday, the team announced.
It’s the second time the Canucks have hosted fans for an away game at Rogers Arena. Tickets were $15 and the venue is offering reduced prices on some food and drink.
Ticket proceeds go to the Canucks for Kids Fund.
There was no official public outdoor viewing party in downtown Vancouver for Game 6, much to the chagrin of many fans who have voiced their disappointment in the city.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim said there have not been any outdoor public viewing parties due to the city’s “history.”
“We have to be incredibly responsible and thoughtful. We have a history of 1994 and 2011,” Sim told reporters at a press conference.
“I would love to throw a party right now, but we have to be responsible.
“We are being thoughtful. … While having a party is great, we also have (to think about) local businesses (and) personal safety for all of the people there.”
Also on Friday, it was announced that Tocchet has been named as a finalist for the Jack Adams Trophy.
The award is presented annually to the head coach of the year as voted by members of the NHL Broadcasters’ Association.
Tocchet helped the Canucks finish first in the Pacific Division with a 50-23-9 record in his first full season behind Vancouver’s bench.
He is a first-time finalist and looking to become the third Canuck coach to win the award. The two previous Vancouver coaches to win the prestigious award are Pat Quinn in 1991-1992 and Alain Vigneault in 2006-2007.
Tocchet is a finalist with Winnipeg’s Rick Bowness and Andrew Brunette of the Nashville Preds.
— With files from Simon Little and Joshua Azizi
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