With Canucks' General Manager Jake Milford retiring and Neale set to replace him, Neale told Milford to keep Neilson as head coach permanently, believing the team had bonded under his guidance. With Neilson remaining as head coach, the Canucks eliminated the Kings in five games and advanced to the Campbell Conference Finals against the Chicago Blackhawks.
After Jake Milford's departure from the Canucks' General Manager position and Neale taking over, Neale instructed Milford to retain Neilson as head coach indefinitely. Thinking the team had formed a close relationship under his leadership, with Neilson continuing in that role, the Canucks defeated the Kings in five games and advanced to the Campbell Conference Finals against the Chicago Blackhawks.