By Andrew Phillip Chernoff | CanucksBanter

November 23, 2024

The Vancouver Canucks (10-6-3, 4rth Pacific Division) pulled off a 4-3 victory against the Ottawa Senators (8-11-1, 7th Atlantic Division) despite facing significant adversity, in the start of their 6-game eastern road trip.

Canucks improved their season road record to 7-1-0.

The loss extended Ottawa’s losing streak to five games (0-4-1).

Game Details

Jake DeBrusk had two goals and an assist. Kiefer Sherwood, a goal and an assist; Elias Pettersson had two assists. Teddy Blueger had a goal, and Tyler Myers an assist. Max Sasson had an assist in his NHL debut.

For Ottawa, Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stutzle had a goal each; Claude Giroux had a goal and an assist, Drake Batherson two assists.

Notable Incident

Canucks captain Quinn Hughes was ejected from the game in the 1st period for a cross-check on Josh Norris, resulting in a major penalty and game misconduct.

This had been a significant blow to the Canucks, with Hughes a key player and 2024 Norris Trophy winner, creating adversity with the loss of his skill set out of the lineup.

Goaltenders

Kevin Lankinen was the starting goalie for Vancouver, making 26 saves for his 7th consecutive road win this season.

Linus Ullmark, starting goalie for the Senators, made 17 saves. 

Game Stats

Key Takeaways for the Canucks:

Despite missing key players like Brock Boeser, JT Miller, and Thatcher Demko, and then losing Quinn Hughes to a game misconduct for a hit on Josh Norris, the Canucks showed incredible resilience and battled their way to a win.

With key offensive players out of the lineup, other players stepped up to contribute offensively, demonstrating the team’s depth and ability to find ways to score even when shorthanded.

Lankinen played a crucial role in securing the win for the Canucks. Despite facing a barrage of shots, particularly during Ottawa’s late-game push, he made key saves to preserve the lead.

The Canucks were only 1 for 6 on the power play dominating 5-on-5.

This was a gutsy win for the Canucks.

They overcame numerous challenges, including a hostile road environment and a late surge by the Senators, to secure two important points.

Highlights

• The team’s resilience, depth, and ability to perform under pressure was highly positive to start Canucks 6-game road trip
• The Canucks’ penalty kill was effective in shutting down a full 5-on-3 power play but allowed two power play goals of the three opportunities Senators’ had.
• The team showed strong defensive awareness throughout the game, limiting the Senators’ scoring chances at even strength and to one goal scored.
• The Senators scored two goals in the final three minutes to make the scoreline closer, but it was too little, too late.
• Senators missed out on capitalizing on a 5-on-3 power play advantage related to the Quinn Hughes exit from the game.
• Brady Tkachuk received 21 penalty minutes, and Tim Stützle was involved in a fight, indicating a lack of discipline within the team, and a reaction to the game reffing and Canucks style of play.
• The referees had their hands full with 63 minutes given out, 33 minutes to Ottawa.

Canucks Head Coach Rick Tocchet speaks:

Canucks Upcoming Games

• At Boston Bruins: November 26/24 @ 04:00 pm PST TD Garden
• At Pittsburgh Penguins: November 27/24 @ 04:30 pm PST PPG Paints Arena
• At Buffalo Sabres: November 29/24 @ 12:00 pm PST KeyBank Center
• At Detroit Red Wings: December 1/24 @ 09:30 am PST Little Caesars Arena

Source: nhl.com, canucks.com