Vancouver Canucks winger Andrei Kuzmenko is no stranger to the ebbs and flows of a professional hockey season. Following a breakout 74-point campaign last year, the Russian athlete has encountered a rough patch, with his production slipping to just 15 points—four goals and 11 assists—in 21 games this season. This dip in form has led to Kuzmenko being benched as a healthy scratch on two occasions, signaling a clear message from the coaching staff about their expectations.
The challenge intensified after Kuzmenko sustained a facial injury from a deflected shot by teammate JT Miller during a recent game against the New York Islanders. While the injury sidelined him temporarily, he's slated for a swift return to the lineup, indicating that the setback is precautionary rather than serious.
A Glimmer of Hope
In the midst of a trying season, Kuzmenko managed to find the back of the net in Thursday's contest at Rogers Arena against the Vegas Golden Knights. Despite the team's 4-1 loss, Kuzmenko's goal was a highlight. Miller chased down a loose puck and set up Kuzmenko for a wrist shot that slipped past Vegas goaltender Logan Thompson. However, Kuzmenko remained focused on the bigger picture, emphasizing the need for personal improvement that aligns with team success.
"It doesn't matter if I scored ... it doesn't matter if my score doesn't help the team," Kuzmenko reflected post-game. "I need to be better, this I understand. That's why I haven't played (as much) this season."
Line Comparisons
The top line, featuring Kuzmenko alongside Ilia Mikheyev and Elias Pettersson, has been overshadowed by the second-line's superior scoring and play. Pettersson, the center, has amassed 30 points with nine goals and 21 assists. Mikheyev, playing right wing, has contributed 12 points with seven goals and five assists.
Coach's Perspective
Rick Tocchet, the head coach of the Canucks, is calling for more from Kuzmenko, describing his performance this season as "OK" but insisting on a greater level of effort. Tocchet's decision to bench Kuzmenko for back-to-back games against the Seattle Kraken and San Jose Sharks in late November sent a clear signal of his expectations.
"He's got to get his game a little bit more sharpened up," Tocchet stated on November 27. "It's not about last year, it's about this year for us. And he's a guy that needed a reset."
Tocchet has delineated specific areas where Kuzmenko needs to improve: intensifying his engagement in puck battles along the boards and reacting more swiftly on defense in the neutral zone.
"Those are the little things that I value around here. It’s not about just scoring goals. Goal scorers are going to go through slumps," Tocchet explained. "The little things matter. That's part of our staples and he has to understand that's the Bible for us around here."
Kuzmenko's third-period performance against the Golden Knights earned him praise from Tocchet, who noted the winger's direct style of play as a positive development.
"If you watch his shifts in the third, he was going A to B," Tocchet observed. "He wasn’t zigzagging, backward skating defending; he was going forward."
Player's Acknowledgment
Kuzmenko is acutely aware of the high standards set by his coach and expresses a commitment to meeting them. He acknowledges the concern surrounding his four-goal tally thus far and remains dedicated to contributing to the team's success.
The winger also addressed questions regarding his mentality during his prolonged scoring drought in November with a light-hearted yet determined response.
"What interesting questions about mentality. It’s an interesting moment for mentality, for personality, for me," Kuzmenko said with a smile. "It’s simple with the hard work mentality, work in the gym, it’s simple."
With an eye toward continuous improvement, Kuzmenko is poised to build upon his recent performance when the Canucks face off against the Calgary Flames on Saturday. His resolve to elevate his game speaks to a professional ethos that embraces both individual accountability and collective ambition—a balance essential for any athlete navigating the pressures of professional sport.