Mar 5, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN Anaheim Ducks forward Alex Killorn (17) and goaltender John Gibson (36) checks Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland (8) during the first period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/3b19c13a-d994-49a6-bf65-f7885c845437.jpeg] Mar 5, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN Anaheim Ducks forward Alex Killorn (17) and goaltender John Gibson (36) checks Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland (8) during the first period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images The Vancouver Canucks picked up a crucial win on Wednesday as they defeated the Anaheim Ducks 3-2. Despite the close score, the Canucks were clearly the better team, as they outshot the Ducks 36-16. With the win, Vancouver improves their home record to 12-10-7 while picking up win number 28 on the season. Latest From THN's Vancouver Canucks Site [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/]: Two Former Canucks Defensemen Moved Ahead Of NHL Trade Deadline [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/latest-news/two-former-canucks-defensemen-moved-ahead-of-nhl-trade-deadline] B.C.-Based Betting Site Releases Prop Bets Ahead Of The 2025 NHL Trade Deadline [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/latest-news/bc-based-betting-site-releases-prop-bets-ahead-of-the-2025-nhl-trade-deadline] Canucks Quinn Hughes Ruled Out Against The Anaheim Ducks [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/game-day/canucks-quinn-hughes-ruled-out-against-the-anaheim-ducks] As mentioned, this was a close-to-dominant performance by the Canucks. They won 71% of their faceoffs, with both Elias Pettersson and Teddy Blueger recording a win percentage of at least 80%. Vancouver also blocked as many shots as they allowed, with the team combining for 15 on Wednesday night. The biggest storyline from this game was the play of Pettersson, who was able to step up massively. During his 20:47 of ice time, the Swedish center recorded three shots on goal, five hits and went 20 for 25 in the faceoff dot. Pettersson was also named the third star in what was arguably his best performance since returning from the 4 Nations Face-Off. "He's always been good defensively," said Soucy post-game. "He did a really good job tonight shooting early, but also just kind of protecting the puck. He does that thing where he just kind of backs up into guys, lets them try to hit him, and then he keeps that puck. That's a big thing; just kind of him having that puck possession and, obviously, a couple of good shots." Wednesday night also featured a few scraps, which included Conor Garland taking on Trevor Zegras. While Garland doesn't drop the gloves often, he didn't seem to have any issues, as he got in a few shots before the two had to be separated. The fight impressed not just the fans but also his teammates and head coach. "Yeah, he got some good uppercuts in there, said Drew O'Connor. "He's feisty. You know, he's a great teammate. He's willing to kind of do anything for the team. Obviously, I knew that about him, but that was great to see him kind of step up there." While the score was close, there were a lot of positives that came out of Wednesday's win. Vancouver was able to hold onto a third-period lead and picked up a regulation win against a team that is chasing them in the standings. If the Canucks can replicate this performance consistently moving forward, it will go a long in helping secure a spot in the postseason. Stats and Facts: - Canucks win over 70% of their faceoffs for the first time this season - Jake DeBrusk hits double-digit power play goals for the first time in his career - Elias Pettersson records over 15 faceoff wins for the first time in his career - Kiefer Sherwood records eight or more hits for the 15th time this season Scoring Summary: 1st Period: 13:21- ANA: Sam Colangelo (3) from Cutter Gauthier and Mason McTavish 2nd Period: 1:05- VAN: Jake DeBrusk (22) from Brock Boeser and Filip Hronek (PPG) 10:33- VAN: Teddy Blueger (6) from Filip Hronek and Elias Pettersson 18:51- VAN: Carson Soucy (3) from Nils Höglander and Kiefer Sherwood 3rd Period: 13:27- ANA: Brian Dumoulin (2) from Isac Lundestrom and Brett Leason Up Next: The Canucks return to the ice on Friday when they take on the Minnesota Wild. This will be the first game after the trade deadline, which is scheduled for noon PT on March 7. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 pm PT from Rogers Arena. Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwr-DfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. Image [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/2bb94361-1582-465f-9158-f91a72e6fe0b.jpeg]
