Canucks’ new bank chief Boudreau pushes on passive prevention

Article content

Hope. Communication. Address.

Article content

Bruce Boudreau believes they are crucial elements in propping up any struggling club that is beset by insecurity. The mantra was evident Tuesday when the new Vancouver Canucks head coach held his first full practice at Rogers Arena.

As stern and direct as Boudreau was in running exercises, he was also quick to cut the tension with consoling conversation and even laughter. You can live with mistakes that come through effort. You cannot live with mistakes that are the product of laziness.

“Effort is everything,” emphasized Boudreau. “They are going to make mistakes. If it’s a commission error, that’s fine. If it’s an error of omission, that’s where you have the problem. “

When the problem is solved, it gives hope. And if the communication is honest and the direction is clear, it is a formula to reverse a terrible season.

Article content

“I wanted that as a player,” Boudreau said. “You can give me hell and tell me what you want, but if you’re going to show me all my negatives, show me a couple of positives to make up for it. You never want to feel like everything you do is wrong. “

For Boudreau, the game is about pressure. He had a club that won a Jennings Trophy for the fewest goals against (Anaheim) and others that finished second overall in defense (Washington, Minnesota), but he knows which way the ice should tilt.

“My philosophy, in a nutshell, is why do we let the teams be in our zone and let them throw the puck where we have to play great defense to get it out?” Boudreau said. “Why can’t we stop them in their area? And if we don’t take them there, then the neutral zone, and in the third case, in our zone.

Article content

“It’s always about being aggressive and moving forward rather than backing up and playing on tiptoe. I am a true soccer fan. When they say it’s the fourth quarter and a team is 21 points ahead and playing preventive defense, all it does is stop you from winning.

“The message we received on Monday was good. We had a 2-0 lead and we pushed for three goals and then we pushed for four ”.

Boudreau is a quote machine, whether he’s insisting on a player or a system, or making everyone laugh with his quick wit. How all of this resonates with a fierce competitor like JT Miller is significant.

The club’s leading scorer is also a barometer to read if the Canucks are heading into clear skies or storm clouds. If you can’t connect with the coach, it will be a problem. What have you seen so far?

Article content

“I have a high level for myself and my teammates and it has to be that way,” said the Canucks forward. “We got away from that a little bit this year, and from what I’ve seen so far, he (Boudreau) is holding people accountable.

“He’s stopping the (practice) play and making sure we’re not going to make this (mistake) and that’s how it’s supposed to be done. It is not taking away our creativity, but defending and competing are not optional. That’s a big part of his training. “

Miller is grateful to former Canucks coach Travis Green and general manager Jim Benning for having played a key role in Vancouver, compared to Tampa Bay and New York. He’s got the love of Rangers bank chiefs John Tortorella and Alain Vigneault, and it’s best to go through that process to get to where you are today.

Article content

“I had some very tough coaches when I was younger and I learned a lot,” he said. “It was very difficult for me to do it in the NHL. You have to be trainable and take in the bad and have a higher standard.

“We don’t have time to point fingers. We need to play and everyone has to do their job and do it hard. You can’t get away with cheating and playing freely. “

NEXT GAME

Wednesday

Boston Bruins vs. Vancouver Canucks

6 pm, Rogers Arena. TV: Sportsnet Pacific. Radio: Sportsnet 650.

Boudreau knew that Miller was a good player and has no problem with his occasional F-bombs or stick slams. because they usually have a purpose.

“He speaks his mind and I love that,” Boudreau said. “A guy who cares and wants everyone to play at the same level he’s trying to work with. If you’re doing well and you don’t see other guys doing something, that’s what true leadership is, winning over other guys, and it should come from the team, rather than the coach all the time. “

Article content

OVERTIME – Oliver Ekman-Larsson took a maintenance day Tuesday and is expected to play Wednesday against Boston.

[email protected]

twitter.com/benkuzma

The Canucks Report, powered by Province Sports, is essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. Sign up here .

CLICK HERE to report a typo.

Is there more to this story? We would like to hear from you about this or any other story that you think we should know about. Send an email to [email protected].