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.
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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:
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– Quinn Hughes…