Canucks Defeat Wild with Late Goal from Sherwood

The Vancouver Canucks secured a hard-fought victory over the Minnesota Wild at Rogers Arena, showcasing strong goaltending and resilience. Kevin Lankinen’s stellar performance, stopping 37 of 38 shots, was a key factor in the Canucks’ success.

Coach Rick Tocchet praised the team’s start and their ability to close out the game, highlighting their resolve despite a late push from the Wild. The team’s resilience was evident after Minnesota tied the game late in the third period, as the Canucks responded with a strong finish in regulation.

Elias Pettersson, who scored the game’s opening goal, expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, particularly after recent late-game losses. Lankinen’s focus and trust in his defense were crucial, especially during a period of sustained pressure from the Wild. Tocchet acknowledged Lankinen’s crucial saves, emphasizing his consistent performance throughout the season.

Filip Hronek’s leadership on the blue line, particularly his mentorship of Elias Pettersson, was also highlighted by Tocchet. Hronek’s guidance and support were seen as invaluable to Pettersson’s development.

The game’s scoring began with Pettersson’s power-play goal in the first period, a signature one-timer that ignited the crowd. The “Let’s Go Petey” chants that followed resonated with Pettersson, who expressed his appreciation for the fans’ support.