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Adam Proteau
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THN Senior Digital Correspondent. Bluesky: @proteautype.bsky.social
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Possible Canucks Head Coach Candidates For The 2025–26 Season
With coaching news coming out of the Philadelphia Flyers organization this past week, many have set their sights on how the NHL coaching landscape could look past this season. Vancouver Canucks Head Coach Rick Tocchet is currently tied at sixth with seven other coaches for the longest-tenured bench boss in the NHL with their current team. The 2024–25 regular season is Tocchet’s last year of his current contract, though there is an option to extend this by another year from the organization’s side. Rumours have swirled about Tocchet possibly replacing former Flyers coach John Tortorella during the offseason, as the current Canucks coach spent 11 seasons with Philadelphia as a player.
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As it stands, Tocchet’s status moving forward with the team is unknown, but that doesn’t mean his departure is confirmed. In his three seasons and 190 games coached as a member of the Canucks, he has a record of 104–61–25 — good for a points-percentage of .613%. By the time the 2024–25 regular season ends, he’ll be at 200 games coached with Vancouver. In an interview with insider Pierre LeBrun of TSN, Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin spoke highly of the current Canucks head coach.
“I sure hope that he’s going to be part of this organization moving forward. That’s a conversation that I hope we’ll get to the finish line here sooner rather than later,” he said.
Tocchet is the only head coach who is on an expiring deal. However, it wouldn’t be surprising if a few other coaches found themselves jobless by the offseason.
The Nashville Predators were mathematically eliminated from playoff contention on Thursday night after narrowly losing 3–2 to the St. Louis Blues. Their season comes as a bit of a surprise to many, as the additions of Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, Brady Skjei, and more were expected to make them a genuine contender. However, things got off the rails early, and the Predators were never able to live up to the lofty expectations set for them last summer. Andrew Brunette, Nashville’s Head Coach, has seen success in past seasons such as his 51–18–6 2021–22 season with the Florida Panthers, but his current record (27–37–8) indicates that the Predators may wish to make some changes behind the bench. With that being said, even if Nashville was to move on from Brunette, it’s not likely that he would end up in Vancouver.
A team whose trajectory has started trending downhill is the Pittsburgh Penguins. Coming off his 10th season as the Penguins’ Head Coach, Mike Sullivan and his team have not made the playoffs since 2022. While it’s clear that the Penguins organization wants to keep as many pieces of their former Stanley Cup-winning team together, something to consider is the Canucks’ role in this situation. Vancouver’s inclination to acquire players connected to Pittsburgh’s championship teams is no secret — Allvin and President of Hockey Operations, Jim Rutherford, have pointedly targeted players and coaches that they have history with. However, the 2025–26 season is the final year of Sullivan’s contract, and with Pittsburgh’s current situation, it’d make the most sense for them to stick with their Head Coach and make a decision on where their future lies.
One candidate to become the Canucks’ Head Coach in the 2025–26 season isn’t very far from home. Former player (2010–13) and assistant coach (2016–20) with the Canucks, Manny Malhotra, rejoined the organization in 2024 as the Head Coach of the Abbotsford Canucks. Previously, Malhotra spent four years with the Toronto Maple Leafs as an assistant coach. With both NHL and AHL experience, as well as familiarity with the Canucks organization, it’d make the most sense for Vancouver’s next Head Coach to be someone who has been ingrained in the team since earlier days. Malhotra has seen the culture of the 2011 Canucks, but was also around for the debuts of Brock Boeser, Elias Pettersson, and Quinn Hughes. The length of his contract is currently unknown.
At the end of the day, the Canucks’ Head Coach for the 2025–26 season depends on what the organization decides to do with Tocchet. While this year has been a rollercoaster, Tocchet has managed to keep the team competitive even towards the end of the season. A reset during the offseason may bring the team back to the success they shared in 2023–24. For the time being, Vancouver should opt to continue with Tocchet and move on the season after if the results aren’t there.
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.
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Canucks Prospects Willander & Celebrini Advance To The Second Round Of The 2025 NCAA DI Men's Ice Hockey Championship
Tom Willander and Aiden Celebrini are off to the second round of the 2025 NCAA DI Men's Ice Hockey Championship. The two Vancouver Canucks prospects helped Boston Univeristy take down Ohio State 8-3 on Thursday afternoon. With the victory, Boston University will not take on either Michigan State or Cornell in the second round.
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Both Canucks prospects had an impact on the game. Starting with Willander, he recorded a second assist on the game-winning goal. The 2023 first-round pick also finished the game with a plus/minus of +2.
As for Celebrini, he scored the game-winning goal at 2:18 of the third period. The goal was Celebrini's second of the season, which, up to this point, is the biggest goal he has scored in his NCAA career. On top of his goal, the 2023 sixth-round pick also finished the game with a plus/minus of +1 and recorded two penalty minutes.
Boston University's next game is scheduled for Saturday, March 29. As mentioned, they will play the winner of Michigan State and Cornell. This year's championship game is scheduled for March 12 at 4:30 pm PT from St. Louis.
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.
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Canucks Prospects Tom Willander & Aiden Celebrini Advance To The 2025 NCAA Frozen Four
Vancouver Canucks prospects Tom Willander and Aiden Celebrini are headed to the 2025 NCAA Frozen Four. The two were part of Boston University's thrilling 3-2 overtime victory over Cornell on Saturday. With the victory, Boston University will now play the winner of Penn State and UConn, which is scheduled for Sunday.
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While he didn't record a point, Willander had an impactful game for Boston University. He was credited with two shot blocks and was on the ice for the game-winner in overtime. Willander also threw a massive hit in the third period, taking down defenceman Ben Robertson while on the penalty kill.
As for Celebrini, he was credited with two shots and one blocked shot. Celebrini spent the night partnered with Jack Page on the third pairing. According to his brother Macklin, Celebrini intends to return to the NCAA for the 2025-26 season.
Boston University will get a week and a half to prepare for the Frozen Four, as its next game is scheduled for March 10. As mentioned, they will play the winner of Penn State and UConn for a spot in the Final. The 2025 NCAA Final is scheduled for March 12 at 4:30 pm PT and will be played in St. Louis.
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.
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The Vancouver Canucks 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs Odds With 10 Games Remaining
The Vancouver Canucks are down to their final 10 games of the 2024-25 regular season. After playing 72 games, Vancouver has collected 80 points and currently sits just below the playoff bar. Overall, the next few weeks will be a little chaotic for the Canucks, as they may need a long win streak to qualify for the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
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According to MoneyPuck.com, Vancouver has a 19.2% chance of qualifying for the playoffs heading into their matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday. They sit slightly above the Calgary Flames, who are at 18% and below the St. Louis Blues, who have jumped to 73.1%. Ultimately, it is not an ideal situation as the Canucks best seed odds are the second Wild Card, which currently sit at 13.2%.
Focusing on Friday's game, the final result will drastically change Vancouver's playoff odds. With a regulation win, the Canucks playoff odds rise to 27%, while a regulation loss drops them to 10.7%. In the end, Vancouver can not afford a regulation loss tonight, and if they do lose, they need to find a way to pick up a point.
The Canucks play their fifth of sixth straight on the road Friday when they take on the Blue Jackets. This is a key matchup for both teams as each is battling for a spot in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Puck drop is scheduled for 4:00 pm PT from Nationwide Arena.
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.
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Canucks Assign Artūrs Šilovs To The Abbotsford Canucks Ahead Of Big Game Against The Winnipeg Jets
The Vancouver Canucks have made a roster move ahead of their matinee game on Satuday against the Winnipeg Jets. Vancouver assigned goaltender Artūrs Šilovs to the Abbotsford Canucks, who are currently in San Jose to take on the Barracude. The move is a good indicator that both Thatcher Demko and Kevin Lankinen are fully healthy and ready to resume their tandem for the remaining nine games of the season.
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Sending Šilovs down the AHL should give the Latvian goaltender an opportunity to start more games. The 24-year-old has played just two games since the start of March, with his only start coming in a 6-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. So far this season, Šilovs has played 10 games at the NHL level, posting a 2-6-1 record with a .861 save percentage.
The addition of Šilovs should help Abbotsford in its quest to secure a spot in the 2025 Calder Cup Playoffs. Through 62 games, the AHL Canucks have 75 points and currently sit third in the Pacific Division. Abbotsford has 10 games remaining and is on pace to be the host city for their first-round matchup.
As mentioned, Vancouver will be wrapping up their six-game road trip with a game against the Jets. Saturday's game is crucial for the Canucks as they are battling to secure a spot in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Puck drop on Saturday is scheduled for noon PT from the Canada Life Centre.
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.
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Comparing The Final 10 Games Of The Canucks’ Past Five Seasons
The Vancouver Canucks have 10 games left in the 2024–25 regular season and still have a chance at making the Stanley Cup Playoffs. With the St. Louis Blues, Calgary Flames, and Utah Hockey Club still in the mix, the next few games will likely clarify the playoff picture much more. This is not a rare situation for this team to be in, as more often than not they have found themselves in a last-minute playoff race to end their season in the past five years. Let’s look back at the Canucks at the final 10 games point of the past five seasons.
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2024–25
Season record: 34–26–12, 80 points
Highest points-getter: Quinn Hughes (68)
Most goals: Brock Boeser and Jake DeBrusk (23)
Most assists: Quinn Hughes (52)
Aside from the 2020–21 regular season, which only lasted 56 games, this season was the most offensively stagnant one for the Canucks on an individual level by the 10-game mark. At the same time, they are arguably in the worst spot of these five seasons in the sense that injuries have depleted their lineup. They are currently without Elias Pettersson, Filip Chytil, Nils Höglander, and Kevin Lankinen, and six of their final 10 games are against teams currently in a playoff spot. They are currently 21st in the league in GF with 203 and 20th with 218. Intriguingly, they are the third-lowest team in expected goals-for with 191.59, meaning that they are actually producing at a higher rate than what’s expected of them. As well, they are letting in more goals than what they actually should be, as their xGA is the fifth-lowest in the NHL at 199.93.
2023–24
Season record: 45–19–8, 98 points
Highest points-getter: J.T. Miller (91)
Most goals: Brock Boeser (37)
Most assists: Quinn Hughes (68)
With the uncontested best record of a Canucks team from the past five years, the 2023–24 Canucks were only a short ways away from clinching a playoff spot. Other than concerns over Thatcher Demko and Elias Lindholm’s recovery time, there weren’t many dim spots on their season compared to other years. Their situation was far away from some of the wild card battles of seasons prior. On March 27, 2024, a couple of days after their 72nd game of the season, Vancouver sat atop the Pacific Division by eight points, and fourth in the entire NHL. They were also fourth in the league in both highest GF with 251 and lowest GA with 190. Despite this, their xGF of 228.49 put them at 14th in the NHL, while their xGA of 206.46 had them at sixth.
2022–23
Season record: 33–34–5, 71 points
Highest points-getter: Elias Pettersson (91)
Most goals: Andrei Kuzmenko (35)
Most assists: Quinn Hughes (63)
By the 10 game mark of the 2022–23 regular season, the Canucks were 14 points out of a playoff spot. Fans were slightly confused by the team’s trajectory at this point, as the team had seemed to be pushing for a rebuild by trading former captain Bo Horvat to the New York Islanders. However, they also acquired defenseman Filip Hronek for one of the picks involved in the Horvat trade before the trade deadline. At the Canucks’ 10-game mark, they sat 12th in the Western Conference, in line behind the Blues, the Nashville Predators, and the Flames for the final wild card spot held by the Winnipeg Jets. In terms of GF and GA, they placed 12th (241) and 27th lowest (263) respectively. Based on expectations, their offense performed better than expected, as their xGF was 217.22 (22nd in the NHL), while their xGA was lower than what it actually was (224.91, 15th in NHL).
2021–22
Season record: 34–28–10, 78 points
Highest points-getter: J.T. Miller (85)
Most goals: Bo Horvat (30)
Most assists: J.T. Miller (56)
The 2021–22 Canucks more closely resemble the 2024–25 Canucks than the seasons between them did. In the final 10 games of the 2021–22 regular season, Vancouver had 78 points and sat behind the Vegas Golden Knights at 10th in the conference. They were six points away from the final wild card spot-holding Dallas Stars, and ahead of the Jets by only a point. At the time, they had a 19th-placed GF of 205 and a 10th-lowest GA of 201. Their xGF showed that their offense was performing worse than expected, as their xGF sat 15th in the NHL at 204.71. On the other hand, their xGA showed that they should have been letting in more goals, as they sat at 20th in the league with 211.44.
2020–21
Season record: 19–24–3, 41 points
Highest points-getter: Brock Boeser (38)
Most goals: Brock Boeser (18)
Most assists: Quinn Hughes (32)
The 2020–21 regular season was a strange one, as the COVID-19 pandemic not only shortened the season to 56 games, but also caused multiple pauses throughout and a complete reorganization of the divisions. Vancouver was in a difficult position by the 10-game mark, as they had missed nearly a month of play due to a COVID-19 outbreak within the locker room. As a result, by the time they reached the 10-game point in their season, other teams had already begun to wrap theirs up. At the time, they were last in the Scotia North Division with 41 points in 46 games played, meaning that any playoff hopes were pretty far away. Because of the discrepancies in their games played, it’s hard to measure them compared to teams that played virtually eight games more than them. When examining a general 10-game point for the rest of the league, around late April, Vancouver’s GF of 119 would have put them at 23rd in the NHL. Expectations-wise, their xGF of 118.76 pretty much mimicked what they were actually producing, placing them at 14th in the league around the same time as the other teams’ last 10 games. Their GA of 151 would have had them tied with the Detroit Red Wings for 26th-lowest in the league, the expectations of which weren’t too far away at 148.93 (32nd in the NHL).
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.
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Could The Canucks Pass The Oilers Before The End Of The 2024-25 Regular Season?
The 2024-25 regular season is coming to a close, with the majority of NHL teams having 10 or fewer games remaining. That includes the Vancouver Canucks, who sit just below the playoff bar with 80 points through 72 games. Ultimately, the last few weeks of the season will be chaotic as teams in both the Western and Eastern Conferences battle for 2025 Stanley Cup Playoff berths.
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When it comes to the Canucks, they are in a complicated situation. As mentioned, Vancouver is currently on the outside of the playoff picture and is competing with the Minnesota Wild, St. Louis Blues, Calgary Flames, and Utah Hockey Club for the two Wild Card spots. While most of the focus has been on the Wild Card chase, there is another way the Canucks could get into the playoffs, and that is by finishing as the third team in the Pacific Division.
Before diving into this possibility, it is important to note that Vancouver finishing as the third-place team in the Pacific Division is highly unlikely. That being said, the team that is currently holding the spot is 1-2-1 in their last four games and is facing some serious injury issues heading into the final weeks of the regular season. The team in question is the Edmonton Oilers, who, with ten games remaining, have 87 points on the season.
Now that the theory has been presented, the question is what would need to happen to make this idea a reality. Ultimatley, the Canucks would need to record eight more points than the Oilers for the rest of the season. For example, if Edmonton posted a 3-7-0 record, Vancouver would need to go 7-3-0 in their final ten games to surpass their division rival.
As for the schedule comparissons, the Oilers have an easier schedule than the Canucks. Edmonton's strength of schedule is .529 compared to Vancouver's .577. If this were to happen, the Canucks would need the San Jose Sharks to do them a huge favour, as they have three more matchups against the Oilers left on the schedule.
One of the reasons why this is possible is that, as mentioned, the Oilers are currently dealing with some injury issues. Leon Draisatil and Connor McDavid have both missed the last handful of games, while Stuart Skinner was absent from the lineup on Thursday when they lost to the Seattle Kraken. While all three of these players are expected to return before the end of the season, not having them at 100% could cause some issues as Edmonton looks to secure a playoff berth.
While the odds are stacked against them, Vancouver still has a chance at clinching a spot in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. It will not be easy, as six of their final 10 games are against teams currently in playoffs, which included two more games against the Winnipeg Jets. That being said, anything is possible if they go on a run, which includes surpassing the Oilers for the third spot in the Pacific Division.
The Canucks play their fifth of sixth straight on the road Friday when they take on the Columbus Blue Jackets. This is a key matchup for both teams as each is battling for a spot in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Puck drop is scheduled for 4:00 pm PT from Nationwide Arena.
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.
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The Stats Behind Game #73: Blue Jackets 7, Canucks 6 (SO)
Welcome to this edition of the Vancouver Canucks post-game analytics report. This recurring deep dive breaks down the analytics behind each Canucks game as recorded by Natural Stat Trick. In this article, we look back on Vancouver's most recent 7-6 shootout loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets.
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Despite the high score, neither team produced a significant amount of scoring chances at even-strength. Both teams tied in even-strength scoring chances with 21, while the Blue Jackets held a 13-7 high-danger scoring chances advantage. In the end, the main difference was Columbus' ability to score at even strength, as they were able to tallie five goals compared to the Canucks three.
As for the heatmap, it showed just how problematic Vancouver was in their own zone. The Canucks were unable to protect the front of the net, as Kevin Lankinen faced 11 high-danger shots on the night. Overall, the best way to describe Vancouver's defensive effort was chaotic, as they constantly lost board battles and allowed the Blue Jackets extended possessions in the offensive zone.
Moving over to standouts, Quinn Hughes had another incredible game. During his 26:22 of even-strength ice time, the Canucks held a 22-10 shots advantage and won the scoring chances battle 16-8. Hughes also had two assists and five shots on goal while also finishing tied for the team lead with three individual scoring chances created.
To wrap things up, Kiefer Sherwood had an impressive performance in his hometown. During his 14:30 of even-strength ice time, Vancouver held a 12-8 shot advantage and outscored the opposition 3-1. Sherwood also finished the game with three points and, in typical Sherwood fashion, led the game with 10 hits.
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.
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The Stats Behind Game #72: Canucks 5, Islanders 2
Welcome to this edition of the Vancouver Canucks post-game analytics report. This recurring deep dive breaks down the analytics behind each Canucks game as recorded by Natural Stat Trick. In this article, we look back on Vancouver's most recent 5-2 victory over the New York Islanders.
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The analytics from Wednesday night were very balanced. Both teams recorded 25 even-strength scoring chances, as well as 13 even-strength high-danger scoring chances. The only difference at the end of the game was that the Canucks had a slightly higher xGF%, finishing at 52.77% compared to the Islanders 47.23%.
As for the heatmap, Vancouver did a good job of crashing the net and creating difficult situations when Ilya Sorokin was in goal. The Canucks generated seven high-danger shots through the first 41 minutes of the game, scoring on two of them. Ultimately, it was an impressive offensive performance as Vancouver was able to capitalize on their opportunities.
Looking at standouts, one of the Canucks best players was easily Tyler Myers. During his 19:13 of even-strength ice time, Vancouver held a 12-8 shot advantage while outscoring their opponent 4-0. Wednesday was just another in a long list of impressive performances by Myers who is having one of his best seasons in a Canucks uniform.
To wrap things up, Kiefer Sherwood had an impressive night for Vancouver. During his 13:10 of even-strength ice time, the Canucks had a 9-7 shots advantage and won the high-danger scoring chances battle 8-5. Sherwood also had three points and was named first star of the game.
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.
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Thatcher Demko Helps The Canucks To A 5–2 Win Against The Islanders
The Vancouver Canucks keep finding ways to win. After a stunning effort from Thatcher Demko in the first period, the Canucks took down the New York Islanders in a 5–2 victory. Five of the seven goals scored tonight came during the second period, with Kiefer Sherwood (2), Aatu Räty, Derek Forbort, and Teddy Blueger getting on the scoreboard for the Canucks. Demko made 26 saves on 28 shots against in the effort.
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While Demko started his second straight game since returning to the lineup on Monday, it was Artūrs Šilovs who backed him up tonight. Kevin Lankinen has not started since playing in Saturday’s 5–3 loss to the New York Rangers, as he is currently dealing with a “minor injury.” Demko was sharp early on, making a quick pad save off of Bo Horvat. Just like how Demko looked like shades of his vintage self, the Canucks iced an effort worthy of his vintage status by allowing 10 shots against in the first period.
"I've been trying to catch my legs a little bit. It's just the nature of things. It comes with the territory. So, you know, I think each game you'll start to feel better and better," said Demko of his performance and progress throughout the season after the game.
As shown in Demko’s busy first period, the Islanders controlled the majority of play to start. By the end of the first frame, the Islanders led in corsi-for (25 to Vancouver’s 18), shots-for percentage (66.67% to 33.33%), and xGF (1.19 to 0.51), though Vancouver led in high-danger chances for with six to New York’s five. Despite this, the Canucks were the team to open the scoring in the second period.
A player who made an impact in his return back to Long Island is Räty, who scored his first goal and point against his former team. He managed to fend off Tony DeAngelo while in New York’s zone, giving him space to tap-in a shot taken by Marcus Pettersson from the blueline. He played 10:48 and registered three shots, two hits, and one takeaway.
"I think for him, it's just confidence. Maybe that loosens him up a bit, but t it's a nice goal for him to get," Canucks Head Coach Rick Tocchet said of Räty's game tonight. "It's always nice as a young guy to get something like a goal or an assist, and it really helps you, unlocks you for the next game."
Tonight was the fifth time in the last eight games that the Canucks have scored four or more goals in a game. Throughout this road trip, they haven’t had a game where they’ve scored less than three. Vancouver’s offense has evidently sparked as of late, which is something it needed to do in order for the team to make a solid playoff push. The Canucks practically flipped the offensive production script in the second period, nearly mirroring the Islanders’ stats in corsi-for (57.89% to New York’s 42.11%), shots-for percentage (58.82% to 41.18%), and xGF (1.35 to 0.62).
Like a true underdog, the Canucks have fought back any time their opponents have tied the game or score a go-ahead goal, not just tonight but throughout the road trip. If the team had lost tonight’s game, their playoff odds would have dipped to below 10% — but with the win, they now have a 15.1% chance of making it.
"These are all must-win games. There's not many left, so we're just doing what we can to stay in it here, finding different ways to win each night," Demko added of the team's effort. "That's what it feels like for us. So we're gonna keep pushing here until until the end and see if we can squeeze out more."
Stats and Facts:
- Canucks surrender seventh shorthanded goal of the season
- Aatu Räty scores his first point against the team that drafted him
- Canucks win their fifth straight game against the Islanders on Long Island
- Pius Suter registers a new career-high in points with 38
Scoring Summary:
1st Period:
No scoring.
2nd Period:
2:39 - VAN: Kiefer Sherwood (16) from Quinn Hughes and Filip Hronek
5:35 - NYI: Casey Cizikas (6) from Jean-Gabriel Pageau (SH)
8:58 - NYI: Tony DeAngelo (3) from Casey Cizikas
13:56 - VAN: Aatu Räty (3) from Marcus Pettersson and Kiefer Sherwood
19:35 - VAN: Derek Forbort (2) from Jake DeBrusk and Pius Suter
3rd Period:
1:03 - VAN: Teddy Blueger (8) from Conor Garland and Drew O’Connor
18:07 - VAN: Kiefer Sherwood (17) from Pius Suter and Drew O’Connor (ENG)
Up Next:
With more than half of the road trip officially over, the Canucks will set their sights on playing the Columbus Blue Jackets. Vancouver and Columbus are in similar scenarios, in the sense that they are both in the wild card hunt. They’ll face off against the Blue Jackets on Friday, with puck drop scheduled for 4:00 pm PT.
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.
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Canucks Drop Crucial Point, Fall 7-6 In A Shootout To The Blue Jackets
Despite holding a 3-0 lead after the first period, the Vancouver Canucks fell 7-6 in a shootout to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Vancouver received goals from Linus Karlsson, Brock Boeser, Jake DeBrusk, Tyler Myers and Aatu Räty (2x), while Kevin Lankinen stopped 32 of the 28 shots he faced. Despite the loss, the Canucks push their point streak to three games and are now 2-1-2 on their current six-game road trip.
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This game was chaotic from start to finish. As mentioned, the Canucks built a 3-0 lead in the first, but saw their advantage disappear by the mid-way point of the second. In the end, despite holding a lead with under five minutes left in the third, Vancouver needed to find a way to tie the game in order to collect a single point.
While it is a positive that the Canucks scored six goals, giving up six in regulation is concerning. Not only was it a difficult game for Lankinen, but the entire team's defensive structure was poor, as the Blue Jackets had no problem crashing the crease. Ultimately, this was a game Vancouver should have won in regulation, which would have greatly increased their chances of qualifying for a playoff spot.
As for standouts, it was another strong night for Kiefer Sherwood. The Columbus-born winger recorded three assists and once again made it to double digits in hits, finishing with 10. With Elias Pettersson, Nils Höglander and Filip Chytil out of the lineup, Sherwood has stepped up his game and now has six points in his last two games.
Räty also had a game to remember as he scored twice, including the game-tying goal. He also went eight for 15 in the faceoff dot and played the opening shift of overtime. Now, with three goals in his last two games, Räty is showing that he is ready for a full-time role at the NHL level.
The Canucks power play was also dynamic, as they went two for two on the night. Vancouver had struggled with the man advantage through the first four games of the road trip, but we were able to cash in for two important goals. With nine games remaining, the Canucks need to continue this momentum on the power play if they want to find consistent success down the stretch.
Overall, this was a costly and frustrating loss for Vancouver. They gave up multiple leads and struggled to put away a Blue Jackets team that was 1-5-1 in their previous seven. While the Canucks did manage to collect a point, losing the extra one very well could hurt them at the end of the season.
Stats and Facts:
- The Canucks have not allowed a first period goal in five straight games- Recording his 93rd multi-point game, Brock Boeser ties Patrik Sundström for 14th on Vancouver's all-time list for 2+ point games- Tyler Myers ties Mattias Öhlund for the second most shorthanded goals by a defenseman in franchise history with five- Kiefer Sherwood records his second straight three-point game
Scoring Summary:
1st Period
8:51- VAN: Linus Karlsson (2) from Kiefer Sherwood and Conor Garland (PPG)10:35- VAN: Brock Boeser (24) from Quinn Hughes and Pius Suter13:26- VAN: Jake DeBrusk (24) from Brock Boeser and Pius Suter (PPG)
2nd Period:
00:34- CBJ: Boone Jenner (3) from Denton Mateychuk and Erik Gudbranson4:45- CBJ: Kirill Marchenko (27) from Sean Monahan and Dante Fabbro8:44- CBJ: Dante Fabbro (6) from Cole Sillinger and Mathieu Olivier11:23- VAN: Tyler Myers (6) from Kiefer Sherwood and Pius Suter (SHG)
3rd Period:
6:42- VAN: Aatu Räty (4) from Dakota Joshua and Quinn Hughes7:03- CBJ: Denton Mateychuk (4) from Boone Jenner and Adam Fantilli16:46- CBJ: Boone Jenner (4) from Kirill Marchenko and Zach Werenski17:08- CBJ: Mathieu Olivier (17) from Dante Fabbro and Justin Danforth 17:31- VAN: Aatu Räty (5) from Dakota Joshua and Kiefer Sherwood
Overtime:
No Scoring
Shootout:
CBJ: Kent Johnson
Up Next:
The Canucks will wrap up their six-game road trip with a Sunday matinee against the Winnipeg Jets. This will be the third of four meetings between these two Canadian rivals, with each team picking up a win at home. Puck drop is scheduled for noon PT from Canada Life Centre.
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.
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Canucks Gameday Preview #73: Vancouver Travels To Columbus Looking For Their Third-Straight Victory
The Vancouver Canucks (34-26-12) play their fifth of six-straight on the road Friday when they take on the Columbus Blue Jackets (32-29-9). This is a crucial game for both sides, as Vancouver and Columbus are currently fighting for a spot in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The last time these two teams met was in December, when the Canucks pulled off a 5-2 victory at Rogers Arena.
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With the playoffs closing in, Vancouver is starting to build some momentum. They have won their last two games and have seven points in their previous five. Not only do the Canucks need to keep winning, but need to ensure their victories come in regulation in order to avoid any tie-breaking issues near the end of the season.
Players to Watch:
Kiefer Sherwood:
Kiefer Sherwood continues to show why he is one of the best signings from the 2024 offseason. The Columbus-born winger has set the NHL record for hits in a season and has already recorded career highs in goals and points. If Sherwood can build off his most recent three-point effort, it will go a long way in helping Vancouver push their win streak to three games.
Kent Johnson:
Just like Sherwood, Kent Johnson is also in the midst of a career season. The pride of Port Moody has surpassed the 20-goal mark for the first time and is closing in on his first 50-point season. At 22 years old, Johnson is developing into an offensive force and is going to be a handful to deal with for years to come.
Vancouver Canucks (34-26-12):Last 10: 5-4-1
Quinn Hughes: 16-52-68Elias Pettersson: 15-30-45Brock Boeser: 23-21-44Conor Garland: 18-25-43Jake DeBrusk: 23-19-42
Columbus Blue Jackets (32-29-9):Last 10: 2-7-1
Zach Werenski: 20-49-69Kirill Marchenko: 26-37-63Kent Johnson: 22-24-46Adam Fantilli: 22-21-43Sean Monahan: 14-29-43
Game Information:
Start Time: 4:00 pm PTVenue: Nationwide ArenaTelevision: SportsnetRadio: Sportsnet 650
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Get Game-Used Canucks Game By Taking Part In This Auction
It’s that time of year again — spring cleaning season. The Vancouver Canucks’ Equipment and Goal Puck Auction is live, meaning you can place bids for game-worn helmets, sticks, pucks, and even goalie pads. Here are some of the things currently up for auction.
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Hockey sticks from three different players are currently being bidded on. With a $500 opening bid, you can nab Elias Pettersson’s game-used Bauer Twitch stick. Thatcher Demko’s CCM XF Pro Black Skate stick currently has a minimum bid of $550. For a better deal, you can grab a Bauer Vapor Hyperlite2 stick used by Jake DeBrusk for $300.
Items used by former players are also up for grabs. A $500 opening bid will get you a game-worn J.T. Miller helmet in blue, while his matte black one is going for $650 with seven bids currently on it. Also available is a white Pettersson helmet with a starting bid of $375. The current highest-priced helmet, surprisingly, belongs to New York Rangers defenseman Carson Soucy. Right now, the minimum bid is $825.
Fans can also bid on items connected to different teams. A puck scored by Leon Draisaitl on January 18, 2025, is going for $375, as is one scored by Steven Stamkos on January 3. The most expensive pucks are those with goals scored by Vancouver, such as one from Quinn Hughes on January 16, 2025, which is currently sitting at a starting bid of $525.
Game-worn gloves are also part of the auction. DeBrusk and Pettersson’s used blue gloves each have one bid on them right now, starting at $375 and $325 respectively. Brock Boeser’s black skate gloves have one bid on them, with the next minimum bid being $350. Conor Garland has the highest price for gloves, and the second highest of all items up for auction, with a $725 minimum bid placed on his black skate gloves.
The biggest-ticket item up for auction is by far the greatest of them all. A full set of goaltender pads used by Thatcher Demko, designed with the Black Skate logo in mind, is going for $2725. Every item in the set is included, from the pads, to the blocker, to the glove.
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.
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Canucks Scoreboard Watch: An Important Thursday Night
With the Western Conference wild card race growing more and more urgent, scoreboard watching has never been more important for the Vancouver Canucks and their fans. Tonight, March 27, all three teams that the Canucks are competing with for the final wild card spot will play, all at staggered times. If all three teams manage to collect a point, it could send Vancouver closer and closer to being eliminated from playoff contention. Here is how tonight’s games will impact the Canucks’ playoff chances.
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Utah Hockey Club is the first team that plays tonight, at 4:00 pm PT against the Tampa Bay Lightning. They lost their most recent game, a 5–1 loss to the Detroit Red Wings, on Monday night. This puts them at 75 points in 71 games played. Right now, Utah has the least likelihood to make the playoffs, sitting at 2.4% by Wednesday night.
The St. Louis Blues are up next, taking on a Nashville Predators team that they just beat four days prior. St. Louis is the team to beat right now, as they currently hold the final wild card spot with 83 points on the season after defeating the Montréal Canadiens 6–1. Like some of the other teams on this list, they’re riding a flaming hot streak of seven straight wins. The only advantage that Vancouver currently has over the Blues is the fact that they have one game in hand. After Wednesday night, St. Louis has the highest odds of making the playoffs compared to the teams below them in the standings, with a playoff probability of 59.4%. If they win tonight’s match in regulation, these odds shoot up to 69.01%, while an overtime win would bring them up to 66.8%. A regulation loss would deal them a massive decrease, dropping their chances down to 46.52%. An overtime loss would keep them around 57.17%.
Near the end of the night, the Calgary Flames take on the Dallas Stars. Calgary won their last game on Tuesday against the Seattle Kraken, leapfrogging over the Canucks to sit directly behind St. Louis with 79 points in 70 games played. Right now, Calgary’s strength lies in the fact that they have three games on the Blues, two on the Canucks, and one on Utah. If they push their four-game win streak even farther, they can overtake St. Louis and snag the final wild card spot for themselves. The Flames are heading into Thursday night with a 31.9% chance of making the playoffs, which puts them nearly 10% ahead of the Canucks. A regulation win or loss would bring their chances up and down by 10% respectively — to 41.53% and 22.45%. An overtime win would give them a nine-percent increase, bringing their odds to 41.18%, while an overtime loss will drop them to 30.39%.
One thing to keep an eye on is the position of the Minnesota Wild, who currently occupy the first wild card spot. Previously, Minnesota seemed out of reach, having stayed within the Central Division’s three spots early on. However, by the time the Trade Deadline rolled around, the Colorado Avalanche took over their spot and forced them into wild card territory. Since the start of 2025, the Wild have the sixth-most losses in the NHL, having lost 16 of their 34 games. As of right now, one St. Louis win and one Minnesota loss would tie these two teams in points, putting the Wild in much closer territory than what it may feel like. Minnesota plays the league-leading Washington Capitals at 4:30 pm PT tonight. While the odds of Minnesota dropping are slim, as they currently have an 85.4% chance of making the postseason, this still doesn’t mean they can’t have their spot taken away. Intriguingly enough, Minnesota has a higher chance of making the playoffs if they take tonight’s game into overtime — their odds shoot up to 86.44% if they lose, and 92.19% if they win. In regulation, a win will get them a probability percentage of 91.84%, while a loss gets them 78.91%.
As it stands, things don’t look great for Vancouver. Two of the three teams they are competing against for a playoff spot are currently riding multi-game win streaks. Both the Blues and the Flames have been clicking well lately, and as it stands, it looks like they may not slow down. They won at a time when Vancouver could have pulled off a couple of wins, but ultimately were unable to despite small goal margins. If things continue the way they have been for the past week, Vancouver’s shot at making the playoffs will rely solely on one thing — luck.
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.
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Canucks Gameday Preview #74: Wrapping Up A Six-Game Road Trip Against The Jets
The Vancouver Canucks (34-26-13) wrap up their six-game road trip on Sunday when they battle the Winnipeg Jets (50-19-4). While the Canucks are fighting for a spot in the playoffs, the Jets have already clinched a berth and are competing for not just first in the West, but a Presidents' Trophy. Sunday will be the third and final meeting between these two teams, with each picking up a win at home this season.
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With nine games remaining, Sunday's matchup should be considered a must-win for Vancouver. Despite going 2-1-2 on the road trip, the Canucks have not been able to make up ground on the St. Louis Blues, as they are on a nine-game winning streak. Vancouver also needs to show that they can beat a team like Winnipeg, who would most likely be their first-round opponent if they qualify for the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Players to Watch:
Quinn Hughes:
If the Canucks make the playoffs, it will be in large part thanks to the play of Quinn Hughes. Vancouver's captain has points in eight of his last nine games and has played over 28 minutes in four of his previous five. With 70 points in 59 games, do not be surprised if Hughes finds a way onto the score sheet by the end of the game.
Nikolaj Ehlers:
Nikolaj Ehlers has been on a tear over the last few weeks. He currently has a five-game point streak and is on pace to shatter his career high for points. The pending unrestircted free agent is a handful to deal with, and if left with time and space, will make the Canucks pay.
Vancouver Canucks (34-26-13):Last 10: 5-3-2
Quinn Hughes: 16-54-70Brock Boeser: 24-22-46Elias Pettersson: 15-30-45Conor Garland: 18-26-44Jake DeBrusk: 24-19-43
Winnipeg Jets (50-19-4):Last 10: 7-3-0
Kyle Connor: 37-51-88Mark Schiefle: 36-44-80Nikolaj Ehlers: 24-38-62Gabriel Vilardi: 27-34-61Josh Morrissey: 12-44-56
Game Information:
Start Time: Noon PTVenue: Canada Life CentreTelevision: SportsnetRadio: Sportsnet 650
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.
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