Kuzmenko Strives for Improvement Amidst Seasonal Challenges
Andrei Kuzmenko, the Vancouver Canucks winger, is no stranger to the pressures of high expectations. Following a remarkable 74-point haul last season, which earned him a lucrative two-year, $11 million contract, Kuzmenko has encountered a rough patch in his otherwise impressive career trajectory. With a tally of just 15 points, including four goals and 11 assists in 21 games, his production has notably dipped.
The Russian athlete's struggles have not gone unnoticed, leading to him being a healthy scratch on two occasions. Compounding his challenges, Kuzmenko recently sustained a facial injury after a deflected shot from teammate JT Miller during Wednesday’s game against the New York Islanders. The incident has temporarily sidelined him from the lineup as a precautionary measure, though he is expected to make a swift return to the ice.
A Lone Bright Spot in a Tough Game
In a recent outing against the Vegas Golden Knights at Rogers Arena, Kuzmenko managed to find the back of the net, scoring a goal off an assist by Miller. Despite this effort, the Canucks fell to a 4-1 defeat. Reflecting on his individual performance, Kuzmenko expressed a team-first mentality, emphasizing the importance of collective success over personal accolades. "It doesn’t matter if I scored … it doesn’t matter if my score doesn’t help the team," he remarked post-game. "I need to be better, this I understand. That’s why I haven’t played (as much) this season."
The top line, featuring Kuzmenko alongside Ilia Mikheyev and Elias Pettersson, has been overshadowed by their second-line counterparts in both scoring and overall play during the first quarter of the NHL season. While Pettersson has shone brightly with 30 points, comprising nine goals and 21 assists, Mikheyev has contributed a modest 12 points through seven goals and five assists.
Coach Tocchet's Call for Greater Effort
Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet has made his expectations clear: he wants more from Kuzmenko. Describing the winger's current season performance as "OK," Tocchet has called for increased intensity and commitment. This demand for improvement led to Kuzmenko being benched for consecutive games against the Seattle Kraken and San Jose Sharks in late November.
"He’s got to get his game a little bit more sharpened up," Tocchet emphasized 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." The coach outlined specific areas for Kuzmenko to focus on, such as engaging more fiercely 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 said. "The little things matter. That’s part of our staples and he has to understand that’s the Bible for us around here."
Despite the tough love approach, Tocchet acknowledged Kuzmenko's third-period efforts against the Golden Knights. He praised the winger's direct play, noting, "If you watch his shifts in the third, he was going A to B. He wasn’t zigzagging, backward skating defending; he was going forward."
Kuzmenko's Self-Awareness and Outlook
Kuzmenko himself is cognizant of the high standards set by his coach and remains committed to elevating his game. He acknowledges the gap between his current four-goal tally and last season's high-water mark, vowing to maintain his focus on contributing to the team's success. When questioned about his mental state during the lengthy goal drought that spanned nearly all of November, Kuzmenko responded with a smile, downplaying any concerns. "What interesting questions about mentality. It’s an interesting moment for mentality, for personality, for me," he said. "It’s simple with the hard work mentality, work in the gym, it’s simple."
With an eye towards the future, Kuzmenko is eager to build upon his latest performance when the Canucks face off against the Calgary Flames on Saturday. His determination to bounce back and fulfill his potential will be crucial as Vancouver looks to climb the standings and make a push for the playoffs.