The Vancouver Canucks lost tonight’s game against the Colorado Avalanche by a final score of 4-1.
And it’s another one of those nights where we’re not really here to talk about the game itself. Our instant reaction tonight is all about Bruce Boudreau’s send-off from the home crowd tonight.
Everyone — even the coach himself — knows Boudreau’s days in Vancouver are numbered, and that’s become increasingly obvious as the week has gone on. And yet, there was Boudreau behind the Canucks’ bench. And there was Boudreau at morning skate, refusing to say he’s been mistreated or take any shots at the management group that haven’t hesitated to take shots at him publicly on numerous occasions.
And there he was post game, ready to face the media for what could end up being the last time.
Tonight, Canucks fans sent Boudreau off the same way they welcomed him to Vancouver — with Bruce there it is chants.
Fans made signs to show their support for Boudreau, and plenty made it clear on social media tonight that they’re far from pleased with the way Boudreau’s final days are playing out. We’re not even talking about the game itself tonight because it all felt so secondary. And it wasn’t just us that felt that way, apparently. Even the players felt the effects of everything going on tonight.
Tyler Myers with some very candid post-game comments. Said he thinks the outside noise around the team impacted the way they played tonight. Said he hasn’t experienced anything like what’s happening right now in his career. #Canucks @Sportsnet650
— Brendan Batchelor (@BatchHockey) January 21, 2023
And right up until the very end, Boudreau remained his classy self.
Boudreau on the players, “It looked like they were disenchanted right now. It can wear on them”
On the fans, “It’s unbelievable. I’ve only been a year it will go down in my memory book it will go down as one of my best memories… it’s very touching”
Says he’s going to miss it— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) January 21, 2023
Tonight, fans made it clear that while he may not have the support of the front office, they appreciate the job he’s done in Vancouver. And that’s crazy to think about, really.
A fanbase that often gets dubbed as negative is watching their team in the midst of a losing season, lose on home ice, and mustered up the energy tonight to make Rogers Arena the loudest arena Tyler Myers has ever played in. All to show the coach that’s on his way out the door that they still appreciate the work he’s done and the hope he brought them, if only for half of a season.
We don’t know if Boudreau will be behind the bench tomorrow. But if he is, you can expect a similar salute from the home fans once again.
Boudreau ends tonight’s scrum with reporters saying “See ya tomorrow – I hope.” He continues to joke (?) with us despite everything that’s going on.
— Gemma Karstens-Smith (@gkarstenssmith) January 21, 2023
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