Tocchet coaches Flyers to 6-3 win over Canucks in return to Vancouver

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Philadelphia Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet yells during the third period of an NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks in Vancouver, on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025. (Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press via AP)

Philadelphia Flyers' Carl Grundstrom (91) celebrates his goal against the Vancouver Canucks with Rodrigo Abols (18) during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Vancouver, B.C., Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025. (Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press via AP) — Philadelphia Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet yells during the third period of an NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks in Vancouver, on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025. (Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press via AP)

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1:07 AM on Wednesday, December 31, 2025

The Associated Press

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Carl Grundstrom scored the go-ahead goal early in the second period and the Philadelphia Flyers gave coach Rick Tocchet a victory against his former team, beating the Canucks 6-3 on Tuesday night in his return to Vancouver.

Tocchet, who walked away as coach of the Canucks in late April, was recognized on the big screen midway through the first period and met by both boisterous boos and a smattering of cheers.

Bobby Brick, Noah Cates and Travis Konecny each had a goal and an assist for the Flyers (20-11-7). Owen Tippet and Christian Dvorak also scored, and Dan Vladar stopped 32 shots.

Matvei Michkov and Trevor Zegras each had two assists.

David Kampf and Drew O’Connor each had a goal and assist for Vancouver (16-20-3). Tom Willander scored his second of the season, and Thatcher Demko made 27 saves.

After getting outshot 10-0 over the first 10 minutes, Philadelphia picked up steam and Grundstrom gave the Flyers a 2-1 lead 3:40 into the second. The Swedish winger has seven goals this season, including one in each of his last four games.

Cates and Brick both scored their 10th goal of the season, giving Philadelphia six players with double-digit goals. Montreal is the only other team with six or more double-digit goal scorers.

Kampf and Jake DeBrusk returned to the Canucks' lineup after being healthy scratches in Seattle on Monday.

Up next

Flyers: At the Calgary Flames on Wednesday, the fourth stop on a five-game trip.

Canucks: Host the Seattle Kraken on Friday.

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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/NHL