Sherwood's First Career Hat Trick Powers Canucks To 3-1 Victory Over The Avalanche
The Vancouver Canucks defeated the Colorado Avalanche 3-1 on Monday night.
On the back of a Kiefer Sherwood hat trick, the Vancouver Canucks shut down the Colorado Avalanche 3-1 on Monday night. The hat trick was Sherwood's first in the NHL as he scored at even-strength, shorthanded and into an empty net. As for Thatcher Demko, he was superb, stopping 30 of 31 shots for his first win of the season.
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Sherwood was the story of the night as he filled up the scoresheet. On top of his three-goal performance, Sherwood recorded seven shots on goal, three hits and a blocked shot in 12:45 of ice time. Sherwood also set a new career high in goals, scoring his 11th of the season in just his 30th game.
In appreciation of Sherwood's performance, the fans at Rogers Arena started Kiefer Sherwood chants multiple times throughout the game. When asked about the chants, Sherwood said, "That's a pretty special honour. "I was trying to take it in. I really appreciate the fan support. Obviously, passion is something that Vancouver is known for, and that's pretty cool. I will definitely remember it."
The penalty kill was also a bright spot for the Canucks as they killed off all four of Colorado's power plays. When asked about the penalty kill, Rick Tocchet said, "I thought Footey (Adam Foote) did a great job in the game plan, especially on the PK, forecheck, you got to give them a lot of credit. I thought they did a nice job. That's a hell of a team. You know that McKinnon line, Makar when they got it, it's a dangerous game."
While Vancouver had a strong night overall, this game would have looked very different if not for Demko's play in net. As mentioned, he made 30 saves, including 13 in the second period. Even Tocchet was impressed, saying, "Demmer's a good goaltender, just to remind everybody." If tonight proved anything, it is that the old Demko is back and that his past injuries are not impacting his current play.
Another note from tonight's game is that Tocchet was able to spread out the ice time among his forward line. Only Brock Boeser and Conor Garland played over 18 minutes, while no player played under 7:50. In the end, Tocchet's decision to roll the lines, even in the third period, paid off, as his team skated away with the win.
The biggest positive for the Canucks is that they were able to end the six-game homestand with a massive victory. Not only did they beat the Avalanche, but they held Nathan MacKinnon off the scoresheet for just the eighth time this season. It may not have been the most entertaining game, but Vancouver received strong performances throughout their lineup and found a way to capture a victory at Rogers Arena.
Facts and Stats:
- Dakota Joshua skates in his 200th career game
- Kiefer Sherwood scores the 156th hat trick in Canucks history
- Canucks record their 13th game this season with at least 30 hits
- Vancouver records at least 18 blocked shots for the seventh time this season
Scoring Summary:
1st Period:
16:14- VAN: Kiefer Sherwood (9) from Danton Heinen and Pius Suter
2nd Period:
16:04- VAN: Kiefer Sherwood (10) (SHG)
3rd Period:
17:25- VAN: Kiefer Sherwood (11) from Quinn Hughes (ENG)
19:14- COL: Valeri Nichushkin (8)
fromMikko Rantanen and Cale Makar
Up Next:
The Canucks hit the road for their first-ever matchup against the Utah Hockey Club. The matchup will be the first back-to-back, with Vancouver playing Vegas the next night. Game time is scheduled for Wednesday at 7:00 pm PT from the Delta Center.
