Quinn Hughes Discusses Canucks’ Playoff Push Amid Tight Western Conference Race
With the NHL season winding down and playoff spots on the line, the Vancouver Canucks find themselves in a high-stakes battle to secure a postseason berth. Defenseman Quinn Hughes recently spoke to the media about the team’s mindset and their approach as they fight for a coveted spot in the Western Conference playoff picture.
The Canucks began the season on a strong note, but maintaining that momentum has been a challenge. A deep playoff push will require them to string together wins—something they haven’t consistently done since their hot start last fall. In fact, Vancouver hasn’t put together a four-game winning streak since October when goaltender Kevin Lankinen set an NHL road record with a remarkable run of victories.
However, Monday night’s 4-3 shootout win over the New Jersey Devils gave them some renewed confidence. Now, the focus shifts to their upcoming matchups against the New York Islanders, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Winnipeg Jets—three crucial games that could define their playoff fate. Oddsmakers remain skeptical about the Canucks’ chances, but the team is determined to defy expectations.
The Standings: Canucks Chasing a Playoff Spot
Vancouver is currently five points behind the St. Louis Blues, who solidified their grip on the final Western Conference wild-card spot with their seventh straight win on Tuesday night. The Blues now hold 83 points, keeping them ahead in the playoff race.
The Canucks do have a slight advantage with games in hand, providing them with an opportunity to make up lost ground. However, they aren’t the only team in the hunt. The Calgary Flames, following their overtime victory on Tuesday, sit just four points behind St. Louis while also holding three games in hand over the Blues. Additionally, the Flames have played one fewer game than Vancouver, adding further complexity to the battle for a postseason position.
Injuries and Adversity: Canucks Refuse to Give Up
The Canucks have faced significant adversity throughout the season, including injuries to their top two centers. Despite these setbacks, the team remains resilient. Hughes, one of the team’s leaders, remains optimistic about their chances and has credited their goaltending as a major factor in keeping them competitive.
“This has been the longest season of my career, and it’s been filled with adversity,” Hughes admitted in a post-game interview with BarDown on Monday. “Pretty much everyone on the team has dealt with injuries, and nobody has played a full season without missing time. But I’m really proud of this group—we care about each other and will do everything possible to make the playoffs.”
Although Hughes firmly believes the Canucks can make the postseason, he also acknowledges the long-term growth of the team, stating, “If it doesn’t happen this year, I still love what we’re building here.”
The Goaltending Factor: Thatcher Demko’s Impact
Hughes also praised Vancouver’s goaltenders, particularly Kevin Lankinen, who stepped up in the absence of Thatcher Demko. With Demko now back after missing 15 games, his return could provide the spark the Canucks need.
“He easily could have won the Vezina Trophy last season,” Hughes said, referring to Demko’s impressive performance in the previous year, which earned him a nomination as the NHL’s top goaltender. “When he’s in the net, it just feels different. He wasn’t anywhere near 100 percent in his return, but he still gutted it out for us. He’s an absolute beast and one of the most competitive guys I’ve ever met.”
Hughes also reflected on Demko’s clutch play, particularly a crucial overtime save that kept Vancouver in the game against New Jersey. “That save in overtime, and me playing a two-on-one terribly—I can’t say enough about Thatch,” Hughes admitted, showing his appreciation for the star goalie’s effort.
Rick Tocchet on the Team’s Mindset
Head coach Rick Tocchet understands the immense pressure that comes with being in a tight playoff race. His focus is on maintaining consistency and ensuring that the team remains composed during this critical stretch.
“We’re still trying to find that consistency,” Tocchet said. “We’ve got some guys coming up from Abbotsford (Vancouver’s AHL affiliate), and we’re hanging in there. That’s all we can do.”
Tocchet also emphasized the importance of staying positive, especially after losses. “As coaches, when we lose a game, we can’t just walk around angry all the time,” he explained. “We have to stay in a teaching mindset, keep the energy up, and help our players maintain their confidence.”
Staying Focused on the Playoff Push
As the Canucks enter the final stretch of the regular season, maintaining composure and focus will be critical to their playoff hopes. The Western Conference race remains incredibly tight, and each game carries significant weight.
While the odds may not be in their favor, the Canucks have shown resilience throughout the season. With strong goaltending, the leadership of Hughes, and the guidance of Tocchet, they remain determined to fight until the very end.
For now, Vancouver’s playoff aspirations hinge on their ability to capitalize on their upcoming games and keep their momentum alive. Whether they ultimately secure a postseason spot or not, this season has showcased the team’s perseverance and potential for the future.
