Lekkerimäki Scores First Career Shootout Goal, Canucks Defeat The Devils 4-3

The Vancouver Canucks fought back from a late-game deficit to defeat the New Jersey Devils 4-3 in a shootout. Jonathan Lekkerimäki scored once in regulation, as well as the shootout winner, while Pius Suter scored twice in the victory. As for Thatcher Demko, he stopped 22 of the 25 shots he faced, plus three of four in the shootout to pick up the win in his return from injury. 

Latest From THN’s Vancouver Canucks Site:

Abbotsford Canucks Sign Jackson Kunz To A One-Year Contract

Canucks Pettersson & Höglander Out For Remainder Of Six-Game Road Trip

Vancouver Canucks Prospects In The 2025 CHL Playoffs

The Canucks showed resilience once again as they were able to come back and eventually picked up the win. Despite falling behind twice in the third, Vancouver kept pushing and eventually found the tying goal with 36 seconds left in the game. Overall, it was another example of a clutch moment by the team, which picked up their sixth six-on-five goal this season.

The star of the game was easily Quinn Hughes, who recorded his 68th point of the season. Hughes' six shots on goal were tied with Suter, while he finished the night with 31:38 of ice time. The Canucks captain has taken another step forward this season and deserves to be in the Hart Trophy conversation at the end of the campaign. 

As for Demko, he looked solid during his first game since February 8. His rebound control was good, and he made a highlight-reel save in overtime that helped Vancouver push the game to a shootout. If Demko can return to his Veznia-like form, it could be the boost the Canucks need to secure a spot in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

"Yeah, I mean, it's been tough watching the boys go through the playoff run," said Demko post-game." So, you don't want to step in and ruin it for them or not contribute in a positive way. It was nice to get the win. Another late goal from us gets us to overtime. It's big for our team, and ended up getting the two points in a shootout, so that was huge."

While there are still 11 games remaining in the season, Monday's victory may have saved Vancouver's season. The St. Louis Blues are one of the hottest teams in the NHL, and with a regulation loss, would have held a five-point advantage in the race for the final Wild-Card spot. In the end, though, the Canucks found a way and, in the process, picked up their first win of the six-game road trip. 

Stats and Facts:

- Kiefer Sherwood becomes the first player in NHL history to record 400 hits
- Quinn Hughes records at least 28 minutes of ice time for the third straight game
- Nils Åman records points in back-to-back games for the first time this season
- Aatu Räty goes nine for 11 in the faceoff dot

Scoring Summary: 

1st Period:

10:09- VAN: Pius Suter (21) from Marcus Pettersson

2nd Period:

10:24- NJD: Timo Meier (21) from Dawson Mercer and Jesper Bratt

3rd Period:

11:02- NJD: Timo Meier (22) from Brenden Dillon and Nico Hischier
11:47- VAN: Jonathan Lekkerimäki (3) from Derek Forbort and Nils Åman
13:25- NJD: Erik Haula (9) from Brian Dumoulin
19:24- VAN: Pius Suter (22) from Jake DeBrusk and Quinn Hughes

Overtime:

No Scoring

Shootout:

VAN- Jonathan Lekkerimäki

Up Next:

The Canucks continue their six-game road trip with a matchup against the New York Islanders. Vancouver will be looking to avenge a 5-2 loss to the Islanders, which happened at Rogers Arena back in November. Game time is set for 4:30 pm PT from UBS Arena. 

Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News 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.