Jack and Luke both scored, while Quinn recorded two assists in the battle of the Hughes brothers.

The Vancouver Canucks (16-9-1) couldn't overcome poor defensive play in the first period as they fell 6-5 to the New Jersey Devils (12-10-1). Despite a spirited comeback that included a three-goal third period, the Canucks could not overcome the four goals they allowed in the opening 20 minutes of play. In a game full of storylines, Jack and Luke prevailed over their brother Quinn, while Travis Green got his revenge on the two-year anniversary of his firing from Vancouver. 

The main issue from this game for the Canucks was their defensive coverage. Even head coach Rick Tocchet acknowledged this postgame: "We gave them four goals. That's not our system, and we've been slacking a little bit on that. And you know, it's on us, it's on my ass. I gotta get these guys to do it more often." Whether in the first or the dying seconds of the third, Vancouver continually chased the puck, leaving Devils' players wide open in scoring position. 

While Vancouver's defencemen struggled in this game, they did not get much help for the forward group in their own zone. Throughout the game, the Canucks forwards were out of position, which led to turnovers and goals against. These are issues that have been slowly sneaking into Vancouver's game over the past few weeks and could cause significant issues later on in the season if they are not fixed. 

To wrap things up, the Canucks do deserve some credit for the way they fought back in the third. Coming back from a 5-2 deficit is not easy, but Vancouver continued to press and found a way to tie the game thanks to big goals from Brock Boeser, Sam Lafferty and Nils Höglander. While the comeback eventually fell short due to a major defensive lapse at the end of regulations, it is good to see that this team is willing to fight back, even if the game seems out of reach. 

Stats and Facts

- This was Rick Tocchet's 500th career game as a head coach in the NHL

- Canucks are the 1st team with four 30+ point players in a season's first 26 GP since the 1995-96 Pens

- J.T. Miller recorded his 26th 3+ point night as a Canuck 

- The Hughes brothers combined for two goals and four assists

Game Summary

1st Period

NJD: 3:40- Jesper Bratt (9th) from Jonas Siegenthaler

VAN: 8:24- J.T. Miller (14th) from Brock Boeser and Elias Pettersson (PPG)

NJD: 9:51- Erik Haula (7th) from Jack Hughes

NJD: 17:06- Jack Hughes (10th) from Kevin Bahl

NJD: 18:42- Michael McLeod (5th) from Nathan Bastian and Curtis Lazar  

VAN: 19:40- Dakota Joshua (4th) from Conor Garland and Teddy Blueger 

2nd Period

NJD: 19:26- Luke Hughes (4th) from Jack Hughes (PPG)

3rd Period

VAN: 7:02- Brock Boeser (18th) from J.T Miller

VAN: 13:58- Sam Lafferty (7th) from Quinn Hughes and Elias Pettersson 

VAN: 16:34- Nils Höglander (8th) from J.T. Miller

NJD: 19:26- Jesper Bratt (10th) from Nico Hischer and Kevin Bahl

Canucks Next Opponent 

Up next for the Canucks will be a battle with the Minnesota Wild on Thursday night. The Wild come into the game having won four straight since firing head coach Dean Evason and replacing him with John Hynes. Game time is set for 7:00 pm PT from Rogers Arena.