The Vancouver Canucks (24-10-3) kicked off 2024 the right way, defeating the Ottawa Senators (14-19-0) 6-3. With the victory, the Canucks move to 21-0 when leading after two while improving their home record to 14-4-1. Now up to 51 points in 37 games, Vancouver leads the Pacific Division in not just overall points but also point percentage. This game had a little bit of everything in it. The Canucks scored some lucky goals while Thatcher Demko made some massive saves as the greatest hockey player of all time, Wayne Gretzky, watched from the stands. While it wasn't a perfect game by any stretch, Vancouver found a way to win and now has collected points in ten of their last 11 games. Here are head coach Rick Tocchet's comments after the game: "We didn't play the right way. Take the two points, but it's a learning lesson for us. I did not like our 40. I hope the guys didn't, but hey, we won the game. Loved our first period, so that's basically my assessment of the game." Tocchet was right about the final 40 minutes of the game. The Canucks were outshot 29-11 and were giving up chances left, right and center. Luckily, Demko was phenomenal; otherwise, this could have easily been one of the biggest collapses in franchise history. If Vancouver wants to be considered a contender, they must learn to play a full 60-minute game, as they may not be as lucky against a stronger opponent. Vancouver Canucks 2023 Recap Ending off on a positive note, during the game, two Canucks players celebrated significant career milestones. Elias Pettersson recorded his 150th goal, while Brock Boeser hit the 350-point mark. Both continue to climb the franchise's all-time points list, as each could end up in the top 15 by the end of the season. Stats and Facts - Elias Pettersson became the 17th player in franchise history to record 150 goals as a Canuck - The Canucks scored five goals in the first period for the 12th time in franchise history and the first since Oct. 28, 2019, vs. the Florida Panthers - J.T. Miller joined Pavel Bure, Daniel Sedin and Alexander Mogilny as the only players in Canucks history to record 50 points in 37 games or fewer - With his assist, Brock Boeser becomes the 20th player to hit 350-point with the franchise Scoring Summary 1st Period VAN: 2:14- Ian Cole (1st) from Noah Juulsen and Ilya Mikheyev VAN: 12:39- Pius Suter (7th) from Sam Lafferty and Tyler Myers VAN: 16:34- Elias Pettersson (14th) from Pius Suter VAN: 16:58- J.T. Miller (16th) from Nikita Zadorov and Brock Boeser VAN: 17:53- Elias Pettersson (15th) from J.T. Miller and Quinn Hughes (PPG) 2nd Period OTT: 01:31- Claude Giroux (10th) from Brady Tkachuk and Jake Sanderson 3rd Period OTT: 00:37- Vladimir Tarasenko (7th) from Claude Giroux and Tim Stützle OTT: 17:29- Vladimir Tarasenko (8th) from Drake Batherson and Thomas Chabot VAN: 17:42- Pius Suter (8th) Canucks Next Opponent The Canucks hit the road for seven straight, with their first stop being in St. Louis on Thursday night. This will be Vancouver's second matchup with the Blues, with their first game resulting in a 5-0 shutout over St. Louis. Game time is set for 5:00 PM PT from the Enterprise Center. Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/] for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Pettersson, Hughes Nominated For NHL 24 Team of the Year [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/news/pettersson-hughes-nominated-for-nhl-24-team-of-the-year] The Great One Visits Canucks Morning Skate [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/news/the-great-one-visits-canucks-morning-skate] Elias Pettersson Picks Up First Point As Sweden Defeats Switzerland In The Quarterfinals At The 2024 World Juniors [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/news/elias-pettersson-picks-up-first-point-as-sweden-defeats-switzerland-in-the-quarterfinals-at-the-2024-world-juniors] Vancouver Canucks Must Watch Games For January 2024 [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/analysis/vancouver-canucks-must-watch-games-for-january-2024] "We Understand We Need To Just Keep Working Hard.": Ilya Mikheyev Ready For Canucks Playoff Push [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/analysis/we-understand-we-need-to-just-keep-working-hard-ilya-mikheyev-ready-for-canucks-playoff-push] Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAxNjc3MzIzNTkyODA0MTE2/screenshot-2023-10-22-at-91546am.png]
