Nikita Tolopilo Leads Canucks to Victory
By Andrew Phillip Chernoff | CanucksBanter
November 27, 2025
In an exciting back-and-forth matchup that saw multiple lead changes and defensive breakdowns on both sides, the Vancouver Canucks snapped their three-game losing streak with a gritty 5-4 victory over the Pacific Division-leading Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday, November 26, at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
Rookie goaltender Nikita Tolopilo was the story of the night for Vancouver, making 37 saves to secure his first NHL win of the season, while Max Sasson played the hero with the late game-winning goal.
Despite being outshot 13-5 in the opening frame, Vancouver capitalized on their chances with Linus Karlsson (4th goal of the season) opened the scoring at 9:49, burying a rebound off a Marcus Pettersson point shot.
Just two minutes later, Evander Kane (4th goal of the season) doubled the lead on the power play, snapping a wrist shot past Ducks netminder Petr Mrazek.
The second period saw a more determined Anaheim Ducks team, with both teams taking it up a notch into a back-and-forth offensive display.
Anaheim responded just 9 seconds into the period with a power-play goal from defenseman Jackson LaCombe.
Conor Garland restored the two-goal cushion at 3-1 with a spectacular individual effort, dangling around defender Drew Helleson before beating Mrazek.
The Ducks’ young core took over late in the period. Leo Carlsson (12th) scored on a backhand after a scramble, and Mason McTavish tied it up 3-3 with under two minutes left in the frame.
In the final period, with the game tied 3-3 and tension mounting, the Canucks found the winner in the final five minutes.
With 4:02 remaining, Max Sasson tipped a Filip Hronek point shot past Mrazek for the go-ahead goal.
Drew O’Connor added a crucial insurance marker into the empty net with 1:52 left.
A late goal by Cutter Gauthier with just 7 seconds remaining made the final score close, but Vancouver held on.
While the game wasn’t a defensive masterpiece—it was full of back and forth hockey, and for a team desperate to end a 3-game winless streak, the result mattered more than the process.
What’s Up?
- Canucks (10-12-2): Head to San Jose to face the Sharks on November 28 in a Black Friday matinee (1:00 PM PT).
Until next time, hockey fans
