The Vancouver Canucks seem to be experiencing some internal conflicts within their team at the moment, and trying to rally his team or appeal to the fanbase, Rick Tocchet decided to bring the Edmonton Oilers into the conversation.

The Canucks are facing a unique situation with JT Miller taking time away from the team and cryptic hints from insiders suggesting a rift in the locker room. The result has been a middling team, with fans starting to reduce their attendance.

Now, Rick Tocchet is saying that the entire team needs to pull together to get a win, something that the Oilers apparently can’t do.

According to Tocchet, the Oilers can have several players doing nothing and still win games.

»Some guys were just not engaged. We don’t have the team to have three or four or five passengers. We just don’t have it. Edmonton, they can have four or five guys sleeping. They have guys that can win that game for them.»

– Rick Tocchet

It’s quite a strange comment from the Canucks coach. Tocchet seems to be criticizing his superstars for not having game breaking talent while recognizing the Oilers have it, but also putting down the entirety of the Oilers depth players and their role in their playoff success.

Rick Tocchet Takes Bizarre Shot at Edmonton Oilers While Criticizing Canucks

The Canucks are barely holding on to a playoff spot at the moment, but with Miller and Thatcher Demko making their returns, their team is about to improve.

Reporters have made cryptic hints towards the idea of a rift affecting the locker room, and Tocchet’s comments singling out players for being passengers may also lead to more speculation of that rift.

What’s worse is that Tocchet’s made very similar comments just a month ago, and things aren’t improving.

Things for the Canucks better turn around soon with their star players returning to play, and if not, President Jim Rutherford isn’t afraid to make major, bold changes. The next two months will be massive for the future of the Vancouver Canucks.