On Wednesday’s episode of Canucks Conversation, David Quadrelli and Harman Dayal were joined by Abbotsford Canucks forward Phil Di Giuseppe to talk about the team’s Western Conference Final push, standout performances from young players like Victor Mancini, and his impressions of head coach Manny Malhotra.
Di Giuseppe said the biggest key to Abbotsford’s playoff success so far has been the team’s composure in tight situations.
“The steadiness and composure of the collective group; whether we’re down a goal or up by one, when we’re in tight games I’m impressed by just about everybody,” Di Giuseppe said. “The pressure isn’t getting to anybody and everyone seems very comfortable no matter what situation we’re facing. I’ve been on teams where if you lose a star player or a guy that produces, everyone kind of freezes and looks around to see who’s going to pick up the slack. I find with our group, no matter who’s in we trust each other and guys step up in different ways.”
He also pointed to the support the team has been getting from the fans in Abbotsford during this playoff run.
“It’s been awesome. It’s cool when people care, and when you go to a game you can tell that people are emotionally invested. And when we win, it makes their day, so it’s special we can have that effect on people,” he said. “The other way around as well; especially at home, our crowds have been phenomenal. I know everybody is excited to play tomorrow in front of our fans. Playoff hockey is cool.”
Di Giuseppe also had high praise for head coach Manny Malhotra, who has guided them through two playoff rounds so far in his first season as head coach.
“He’s a very good communicator. That’s probably one of the most important things as a coach in today’s game. Decades ago it was very militant and I find today, being a good communicator often translates to having success with today’s players,” said Di Giuseppe. “He’s a very good communicator, very disciplined and very straightforward. I like him as a coach, he’s very honest and it’s easy for us to follow.”
On his own game, Di Giuseppe said he’s taking things day-by-day and relying on the experience he’s built through several pro seasons.
“I’m pretty happy with my game. From experience I’ve learned you never get too high or too low; you’re never as good or as bad as you think you are,” he said. “My focus is on the next game, being patient for my opportunities and just getting into the flow of the game. You keep doing the right things over and over again and you’ll get your bounces along the way.”
The conversation shifted to Victor Mancini, a recent addition to the Abbotsford lineup and one who’s drawn attention for his play on the blue line. Di Giuseppe said he’s been impressed.
“He’s got a great physical frame. What’s really impressed me with him, for a large guy he moves around very well. You guys have probably seen, he’s good at escaping and you don’t see too many big guys doing that,” said Di Giuseppe. “His maneuverability impresses me; he’s got all the tools to be a great NHL defenceman and I’m not just saying that because he’s a paesan. I think he’s got a bright future.”
When asked about the differences in schedule and routine between the AHL and NHL, Di Giuseppe explained how he manages recovery through the season.
“At this point, schedules are pretty similar but during the regular season, the two leagues are different in the sense of the NHL is very sporadic; you can play three games one week and four the next, whereas the AHL most of the time you’re playing two, max three and they’re always in the same location,” he said. “It’s easier to get your rest, even with the back-to-backs, and get healthy during the week when in the NHL you’re always dealing with and playing through something.”
“When it comes to playoffs, the way I approach it is on a practice day, focus on practice, next day game and focus on the game, and if you have a day off, focus on getting rest and doing whatever you can to make yourself feel better for the upcoming day. Whether that’s going in and biking so your legs don’t feel stiff.”
To wrap up the interview, Di Giuseppe shared his thoughts on Abbotsford’s upcoming Western Conference Final matchup against the Texas Stars — a team they haven’t faced yet this season.
“I think it’s going to be a good series. Obviously, we haven’t played each other this year so there’s going to be a feeling-out process,” Di Giuseppe said. “It’s going to be two teams going at it. I like our group – they also have a good team so it’s going to be a challenge, but I know everyone is excited about it. Looking forward to playing a team we haven’t played ten times already this year.”
You can watch the full replay of the show below:
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