Tuesday marks game day for pumped-up Vancouver Canucks fans who are eagerly awaiting puck drop on Game 2 of the team’s Round 1 playoff series against the Nashville Predators.
CityNews hit the streets to find out how people are feeling, and fans shared that they’re not only loving the atmosphere inside Rogers Arena but the buzz across the city.
“Very much so,” explained Dylan. “It was nice to see a lot of the Canucks jerseys around the city, obviously up at Cambie and Broadway for work … we saw a lot of jerseys all the way down, especially around Science World, so it was very well felt around the city.”
Dylan thinks Game 2 will have a raucous energy compared to Sunday night.
“Coming off the back of a win, I think it’s going to be a lot more electric.”
Jimmy says it reminds him of home.
“It’s good to hear the crowd actually singing a song in the stands — it’s just like British football for me.”
Not surprisingly, as Canucks fever sweeps across the province, the bandwagon is filling up. CityNews spoke to some people who admitted to turning on the TV to watch the game, despite never watching hockey.
“I feel the energy,” said one woman.
Others say they’re enjoying the community atmosphere as everyone rallies behind the team.
“I just like the energy. I’m super excited for them and bringing everyone together,” said Chelsea.
There was not a full practice held on Monday, with only a handful of players taking to the ice.
Head Coach Rick Tocchet says the team has to keep the momentum going.
“The hard part is getting jacked up for Game 1, but how do you come in Game 2 and stay that jacked up? I still think there are four or five guys that can really help us tomorrow,” he said.
“I thought they were just OK [on Monday]. I think I [have] got to lean on them, I think they need to bring the juice for us tomorrow to come out of the gate hard for us. That’s really what it comes down to. That’s what happens in the playoffs. You’re not going to have the same guys do it every night. It’s hard. We’re looking for some individuals to really step up [tonight] for us.”
Forward Brock Boeser, who admits he had a tough time sleeping on Sunday night, says they still have a lot of work left to do.
“I think we played a pretty good game and obviously there are little details that we can do better to create more scoring chances or break pucks out, clearing, whatever it is, so I think we’re all excited for the next game.”
Sportsnet 650 Host Satiar Shah says the Canucks need to believe in their game.
“If they bring the effort on Tuesday, they should be in full control of this series.”
The doors to Rogers Arena are opening at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday evening, 30 minutes earlier than usual.
“I know the players and there was a lot of ‘wow’ with how loud the crowd was,” said Tocchet. “Some guys told me they got emotional during it. I’m sure the crowd is going to be just as loud (for Game 2).”
The party on the plaza is set to get underway at 4:30 p.m.
If you miss the TV broadcasts, you can listen to every Canucks playoff game, including pre- and post-game coverage, on Sportsnet 650.
–With files from David Nadalini