The Vancouver Canucks are in desperate need of offensive firepower, and head coach Rick Tocchet is making significant adjustments to the lineup in hopes of turning things around.
Ahead of their matchup against the Montreal Canadiens tonight, Tocchet has introduced a series of changes to the forward lines, aiming to ignite a spark and bring some much-needed goal-scoring to a team that has struggled to find the back of the net in recent months.
A Scoring Drought Sparks Lineup Changes
Since January 1, the Canucks have been the lowest-scoring team in the NHL, a troubling statistic for a team hoping to make a deep playoff push. They haven’t scored more than three goals in any game since their 5-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues on January 27. This prolonged offensive slump has forced Tocchet to make some bold lineup decisions, rearranging his forward lines in an effort to find a winning formula.
During the morning skate, the new line combinations were revealed:
O’Connor – Pettersson – Boeser
DeBrusk – Chytil – Lekkerimäki
Joshua – Blueger – Garland
Höglander – Suter – Sherwood
The most notable change sees Elias Pettersson centering Brock Boeser and Drew O’Connor, a shift from his previous linemates, Conor Garland and Dakota Joshua, in the last two games.
Boeser, Vancouver’s top goal-scorer, was the subject of trade speculation leading up to the deadline but ultimately remained with the team. Tocchet is counting on this newly formed trio to generate offense, but he also emphasized the importance of every player stepping up.
“We’re a committee, it’s a four-line team, and we need production from everybody,” Tocchet said. “Obviously, we talked about certain guys, especially on the power play—you’ve got to come up with some of these things.”
Tocchet’s statement underscores the collective responsibility of the entire roster to contribute offensively, rather than relying solely on star players.
Reuniting Familiar Faces
One of the most intriguing changes involves the reunion of Joshua, Blueger, and Garland, a line that was highly effective last season. Tocchet is banking on their past chemistry to reignite their offensive production and provide much-needed secondary scoring.
This trio played a key role in Vancouver’s depth scoring last season, and bringing them back together signals Tocchet’s belief that they can help alleviate the team’s scoring woes. Their combination of physicality, defensive responsibility, and offensive potential could make them a reliable third line if they can rediscover their rhythm.
Quinn Hughes Working His Way Back
While the forward lines are undergoing a major shake-up, the defensive pairings are also in flux, particularly with the absence of Quinn Hughes. The star defenseman was seen practicing in a red non-contact jersey during the morning skate, indicating he is progressing in his recovery but is not yet ready for game action.
Hughes has been dealing with multiple injuries throughout the season. He initially suffered a hand injury in January, followed by a reported oblique strain, and is now recovering from an undisclosed issue that has kept him out of the lineup since March 1.
Although he won’t be available tonight against the Canadiens, Tocchet remains optimistic that Hughes will return soon. His presence on the ice, even in a limited capacity, suggests that his return is on the horizon—a much-needed boost for a Canucks team that relies heavily on his playmaking ability from the back end.
In Hughes’ absence, Vancouver has experimented with various defensive pairings, trying to find the right balance to maintain stability on the blue line. His eventual return will be a welcome reinforcement, but until then, the Canucks will need to rely on their depth defensemen to step up.
The Urgency to Find Offense
The Canucks’ scoring struggles have put pressure on Tocchet and his coaching staff to find solutions quickly. The team remains in the playoff hunt, but if their offensive woes continue, their chances of securing a postseason spot could be in jeopardy.
Tocchet’s decision to shake up the lines reflects a sense of urgency—a recognition that if Vancouver doesn’t start producing offensively, their season could slip away. With the trade deadline behind them, the roster is set, and the players currently in the locker room will need to find a way to generate more goals.
The hope is that the new top line featuring Pettersson, Boeser, and O’Connor can develop chemistry quickly and provide a much-needed scoring boost. Additionally, the Joshua-Blueger-Garland reunion could help bolster the team’s depth scoring, while the second and fourth lines will need to contribute as well.
Looking Ahead
Tonight’s game against the Canadiens presents an opportunity for the Canucks to test out these new combinations and see if they can finally break through offensively. Montreal has had its own struggles this season, making them a potentially favorable matchup for Vancouver to regain some confidence and get back on track.
However, if these changes don’t yield immediate results, Tocchet may have to continue tweaking the lineup in search of a solution. With just a handful of weeks remaining in the regular season, time is running out for the Canucks to solidify their offensive identity before the playoffs.
The Canucks need goals, and they need them fast. Whether these new lines provide the answer remains to be seen, but for now, Tocchet is doing everything he can to find the right mix of players to turn things around.
