The Vancouver Canucks captured their 13th win of the season after a 3-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks.
The Vancouver Canucks got back in the win column Monday Night after a 3-1 victory at home against the San Jose Sharks. Quinn Hughes led the way for Vancouver with a goal and an assist, while Thatcher Demko made 27 saves as the Canucks moved to 13-5-1 on the season. As for the Sharks, they drop to 3-14-1 on the campaign and have now lost 11 straight to Vancouver, with their last win coming in December of 2019.
The game was also monumental, as Prince Harry was on hand to participate in the ceremonial puck drop. The Duke of Sussex was at the game to help promote the 2025 Invictus Games, which are set to take place in Vancouver and Whistler. This marked the second time a member of the British Royal Family has participated in a ceremonial puck drop at Rogers Arena, with the first coming in October of 2002 when Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Harry's grandmother, dropped the puck before a pre-season game between the Canucks and Sharks.
1st Period
The Canucks came out strong to start the game. Not only did they outshoot the Sharks 9-1 over the first ten and a half minutes of the period, but they were able to pin San Jose in their own zone for long stretches of time. Unfortunately for Vancouver, though, Mackenzie Blackwood was on his game, stopping all 11 shots he faced in the period.
At the other end, while Demko was not busy only facing six shots, he was forced to make some tough saves. Despite only having six shots, the Sharks were able to generate two high-danger chances at five-on-five, which was one more than the Canucks. In the end, neither team could find the back of the net as they skated off into the intermission tied 0-0.
Second Period
Despite chances at both ends of the ice, the game remained tied until midway through the period when William Eklund shovelled a puck past Demko to make it 1-0. Unfortunately for San Jose, upon review, it was determined that Fabian Zetterlund interfered with Demko, nullifying the goal. This challenge by Vancouver was crucial as it not only wiped out the goal but seemed to have sparked the team.
After relentless pressure, the Canucks were finally able to solve Blackwood at 13:07 of the second, thanks to Hughes' eighth of the season. The goal was incredible as it showcased not just his puckhandling and skating but also his ability to pick corners from virtually impossible angles. Arguably the highlight of the night from the NHL, the goal itself was crucial as it put Vancouver up 1-0.
Both teams would continue to battle until late in the second when a potentially game-changing call was made. With just under two and a half minutes to play in the period, Nils Höglander was assessed a five-minute major and a game misconduct for intent to injure. This occurred when the Canucks forward slew-footed Kevin Lebanc in front of Vancouver's bench. This meant that not only would the Canucks have to kill off all five minutes, but they were also down a forward for the rest of the game.
Despite the Sharks having the man advantage, it was Vancouver who would find the back of the net before the intermission. With 0.7 seconds left in the period, Sam Lafferty was able to bury his fourth of the season to put the Canucks up 2-0. The goal had Rogers Arena rocking as fans entered the intermission, celebrating the work the penalty killers had done.
Third Period
Just 48 seconds into the third, the Sharks finally beat Demko, thanks to Tomas Hertl's fourth of the season. Despite Tyler Myers blocking the initial shot from the point, the Canucks were unable to clear the puck from the slot, leading to the goal. Despite more pressure from the Sharks, Vancouver killed off the remaining five-minute major, limiting the damage to just one goal.
After a few more minutes of continuous pressure that included an unsuccessful power play, the Canucks were finally able to find their insurance marker at the 7:10 mark of the period, thanks to J.T. Miller. Vancouver's assistant captain was able to jump on a rebound in front for his 12th of the season, putting the Canucks back up by two. Despite some late pressure, Vancouver was able to limit the Sharks' opportunities and skated away with a 3-1 victory.
Stats and Facts
- Hughes became just the third-ever defenceman to record 30 points in fewer than 20 games, joining Bobby Orr and Al MacInnis.
- Hughes is also the first defenceman to be the first NHL player to reach 30 points in a season since Bobby Orr in 1974-75.
- Miller is now on a eight-game point streak and currently sits tied for second in league scoring with 29 points.
- The Canucks have now scored three or more goals in 15 of their 19 games so far this season.
- With tonight's result, Vancouver has held their opponents to one goal or fewer five times through their first 19 games.
Three Stars
1) Quinn Hughes: 1 Goal, 1 Assist, 3 Shots, 1 Takeaway, 23:24 Time on Ice
2) Thatcher Demko: 27 Saves, .964 Save Percentage, 1.00 Goals Against Average
3) J.T. Miller: 1 Goal, 2 Shots, 3 Hits, 1 Blocked Shot, 8/16 Faceoffs, 21:01 Time on Ice
Canucks Next Opponent
The Canucks next hit the ice against the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday Night. Last season, Vancouver took two of three against the Avalanche, winning during their only visit to Ball Arena. Game time is set for 7:00 pm PT.