CHICAGO, IL — The Vancouver Canucks rallied with a trio of second-period goals to secure a 4-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on Sunday. This win continues the Canucks’ impressive run, now 5-0-1 in their last six games, improving their record to 21-9-2.
Brock Boeser led the charge for Vancouver, scoring his 23rd goal of the season, tying him with Auston Matthews for the NHL lead. Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko contributed with 25 saves, playing a key role in their win. Tyler Myers and J.T. Miller each provided two assists, adding to the team’s offensive depth.
The game marked a significant turnaround for the Canucks, who had lost in a shootout to the Minnesota Wild on Saturday. The second period was particularly pivotal for Vancouver, erasing their sleepy first-period performance with a dynamic response.
For the Blackhawks, Nick Foligno scored two goals, demonstrating his offensive prowess. Rookie sensation and 2023 No. 1 NHL Draft pick Connor Bedard, a North Vancouver native, had a special night playing against his childhood team, contributing two assists in a career-high 23:16 of ice time.
The Blackhawks initially took the lead with Foligno’s goal in the first period. However, the Canucks responded with Elias Pettersson’s power-play goal, tying the game at 1-1 towards the end of the first period.
Foligno’s second goal early in the second period briefly put Chicago ahead, but Vancouver quickly erased the deficit. Dakota Joshua’s goal, followed by Boeser’s wrist shot 41 seconds later, shifted the momentum in favor of the Canucks. Ilya Mikheyev extended Vancouver’s lead with another goal, showcasing the team’s offensive depth and resilience.
Chicago attempted a comeback in the third period, with Cole Guttman narrowing the gap to a single goal. Despite this effort, the Blackhawks couldn’t find an equalizer, and the Canucks held on for the win.
The game also saw a significant milestone for Bedard, who recorded his fourth multipoint game, a remarkable feat for a player of his age. Unfortunately, the Blackhawks’ Joey Anderson left the game due to an upper-body injury and will be reevaluated.
Following this result, the Canucks’ strong form continues, while the Blackhawks are left to reflect on a game that saw them compete well but ultimately fall short. The Canucks’ ability to bounce back from an early deficit and control the game’s crucial moments was key to their victory.
Both teams are looking ahead to their next matchups, with the Canucks building on their recent successes and the Blackhawks aiming to rebound from this narrow defeat.
