Comeback Canucks Keep Streaking As Brock Boeser Hits Long-Awaited 30-Goal Mark

Brock Boeser led the way in the Canucks victory last night over Columbus with a top-notch hat trick, but he also hit a new career milestone as the league heads into the all-star break. Brock Boeser skates out as the first star of the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAzOTQ3OTUwNjY0MDY2NTU1/usatsi_22392748.jpg] Brock Boeser skates out as the first star of the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets Do not underestimate the power of the Vancouver Canucks' black skate jerseys. Trailing 4-1 heading into the third period against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday, the Canucks struck for three quick power-play goals before Elias Pettersson finished things off in overtime to give his team a 5-4 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Pettersson also got the comeback started with his 26th of the year, 1:11 into the third. The other three goals belonged to Boeser, who logged his third hat trick of the year and finally hit the 30-goal mark for the first time in his career. He also became the eighth player in the NHL to reach that milestone so far this season. "Everyone knows what he's been through," said Pettersson. "For him to do it the way he's been doing it this year, it's awesome to see and I'm super happy for him." Technically the longest-serving current Canuck (although Thatcher Demko was drafted one year earlier), Boeser made an immediate impression during his rookie season in 2017-18. He was selected to be the Canucks' representative at the 2018 All-Star Game, where he became the first rookie since Mario Lemieux to earn MVP honors [https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/nhl-all-star-game-2018-boeser-pacific-mcdavid-gaudreau-1.4507954]. He was up to 29 goals and battling Mat Barzal for front-runner status in the Calder Trophy race when the Canucks hosted the Islanders on March 5, 2018. Late in the third period, just after the Islanders had tied the game 3-3, Boeser was checked into the open door of the Canucks' players bench. In Game 62, he suffered a serious back injury [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8l-jIiht50] which ended his season and snuffed his Calder chances. In subsequent seasons, the effects from the back injury lingered. He also dealt with more injuries and other challenges, most notably a series of serious health issues affecting his father, Duke, who died at 61 [https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/boesers-mourn-the-loss-of-father-duke-family-is-more-important-than-hockey/] on May 27, 2022. Last season, the loss weighed heavily. Boeser managed just 18 goals and by December of 2022, rumors were swirling that the Canucks had given Boeser's agent permission [https://theprovince.com/sports/hockey/nhl/vancouver-canucks/brock-boesers-agent-may-seek-trade#:%7e:text=Sportsnet's%20Elliotte%20Friedman%20reported%20Saturday,finding%20a%20possible%20trading%20partner.&text=Hankinson%20declined%20to%20comment%20and,to%20a%20request%20for%20comment.] to look at trade possibilities as the team tried to find ways to free up salary-cap space. The trade never came, and Boeser returned to Vancouver this fall in a better headspace, and with a solid summer of training under his belt. The Hockey Gods rewarded him immediately, with four goals in the Canucks' 8-1 drubbing of the Edmonton Oilers on opening night. And while the sudden success for both player and team seemed like it would be unsustainable — it has been sustained. With most teams now into their bye weeks, the Canucks sit tied with the Boston Bruins at the top of the NHL standings. The teams both have 71 wins in 49 games for an identical .724 points percentage, but the Canucks hold first by virtue of more wins (33 vs. 31). Vancouver has also maintained its league-leading goal differential throughout the season. It's now at plus-59, with the Bruins in second place at plus-45. And yes, the Canucks also still lead the league [https://www.naturalstattrick.com/teamtable.php] in 5-on-5 PDO (1.045) and shooting percentage (11.82 percent) — although their margins over the chase pack aren't as wide as they were earlier in the season. For the most part, the Canucks' M.O. this season has been to build a lead and sustain it — they're 29-0-1 when leading after two periods this year. On Saturday, less than two weeks after taking a 4-3 shootout loss in Columbus to close out their last road trip, they dominated possession in the first period but couldn't solve Elvis Merzlikins. In the second, a shorthanded goal by Alexandre Texier triggered a four-goal outburst by the suddenly energized visitors, who capitalized on turnovers and a little bit of puck luck. But the Blue Jackets are one of the youngest and most inexperienced [https://www.eliteprospects.com/league/nhl/teams-physical-stats/2023-2024] teams in the league — and they haven't mastered the art of locking down games once they get a lead. Vancouver's comeback began during the carryover of a Damon Severson slash from late in the second period and continued during two more quick power-play opportunities. On Thursday, the Blue Jackets were able to salt away a 5-2 win in Calgary with an insurance goal during a third-period major penalty for boarding on Jonathan Huberdeau. Saturday night, they couldn't duplicate that outcome when Tyler Myers was tossed for an elbow on Sean Kuraly with just over eight minutes left in regulation. As Vancouver's penalty killers got into a rhythm of short shifts and quick clears, the five minutes ticked away quickly, with just one shot on goal for Columbus and only one stoppage in play. Just like that, overtime loomed. And now with a record of 10-1-0 when wearing their black skate jerseys [https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/canucks-win-more-wearing-black-skate-jerseys] — and looking to go into their break on a high note before showing their stuff at All-Star Weekend, Pettersson and Boeser would not be denied. For all the emotion surrounding the winning goal, the Canucks still understand that they haven't really accomplished anything yet. "It was an exciting game," said Canucks' head coach Rick Tocchet. "I think guys were happy we won and they were on the ice to celebrate. I think the fans were getting them excited too. But in the room, it was like, 'Yep, good game,' or whatever. I didn't see a lot of going crazy. It's kind of a good thing for me."