Lindholm scores twice as the Canucks hit the 80-point mark on the season.
Elias Lindholm scored twice in his home debut as the Vancouver Canucks (37-12-6) defeated the Detroit Red Wings (27-20-6) 4-1 on Thursday night. With the victory, Thatcher Demko became the first goaltender this season to hit 30 wins, making 27 saves on the night. Vancouver also improved their record when leading after two to 31-0-2 and are the first team in the NHL to hit 80 points on the season.
This game had a little bit of everything. Demko attempted a goalie goal, J.T. Miller denied Brock Boeser his 31st of the season by going offside with the empty netter, and Nikita Zadorov pulled off the griddy during a stoppage in play. Overall, it was an exciting night for fans at Rogers Arena as they saw the Canucks capture their 19th win on home ice this season.
The biggest takeaway from this game was how the penalty kill played. Vancouver killed all five of Detroit's power plays, limiting the Red Wings to four shots. With a strong combination of shot blocks and saves from Demko, the penalty killer's performance tonight was very impressive.
Quotes:
Demko on his attempt at an empty net goal:
"I'm not really the guy to try that, but I figured up three; that was going to be my best effort, so that will be my first and last try. I thought it was a decent try."
Zadorov on watching Demko attempt a goalie goal:
"I was celebrating when I saw him go for it. I lifted my arms already. I was hoping, but then their guy made a late change, and then he was already at the hash marks. You guys are making dance moves in overtime, so go for it."
Miller on the defenceman blocking shots on the penalty kill:
"That's part of the deal, right? You go out there and sacrifice your body. We have everyone buying into the penalty kill right now. One reason for the stats and success we have had in the last couple of months."
Facts and Stats
- Elias Lindholm scores twice in both his road and home debut with Vancouver
- Recording his 395th career point, Elias Pettersson passes both Brendan Morrison and Ryan Kesler and into sole possession of 13th on the Canucks all-time points list
- Vancouver scores 200 goals in 55 games or fewer for the sixth time and first time since 1992-93
- Recording his tenth career 3+ assist game, Elias Pettersson ties Cliff Ronning for ninth on the Canucks all-time list
Scoring Summary
1st Period
VAN: 7:37- J.T. Miller (24th)
VAN: 9:31- Elias Lindholm (12th) from Elias Pettersson
2nd Period
VAN: 12:51- Nikita Zadorov (2nd) from Elias Pettersson and Nils Höglander
DET: 14:24- J.T. Compher (12th) from Patrick Kane and Christian Fischer
3rd Period
VAN: 12:59- Elias Lindholm (13th) from Elias Pettersson
Canucks Next Opponent
Up next for Vancouver will be an all-Canadian matchup against the Winnipeg Jets. This will be the first meeting between these two, with the Canucks sweeping the season series last year. Game time is set for 7:00 PM PT on Saturday from Rogers Arena.
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