In a high-scoring affair at Rogers Arena, the Vancouver Canucks continued their impressive run with a 7-4 win over the San Jose Sharks. Andrei Kuzmenko marked his return to the lineup with a bang, scoring two goals for the Canucks. This victory propelled Vancouver’s point streak to nine games, solidifying their position as the NHL leaders with 49 points.
Kuzmenko’s impact was immediate as he opened the scoring just 1:34 into the first period with a wrist shot from the slot. He doubled the lead shortly after with a power-play goal, tipping J.T. Miller’s shot past the Sharks’ goalie Mackenzie Blackwood. The Sharks’ Mikael Granlund and Tomas Hertl quickly responded, tying the game with goals of their own in the first period.
The second period saw the Canucks regain control. Nils Aman’s goal off a 2-on-1 break gave Vancouver the lead, which was further extended by a deflected slap shot from Ian Cole. San Jose’s Fabian Zetterlund narrowed the gap, but Dakota Joshua’s goal towards the end of the period widened the Canucks’ lead to 5-3.
In the third period, Jacob MacDonald’s goal for the Sharks brought the game to a tense 5-4. However, Pius Suter’s deflection and Quinn Hughes’ empty-net goal sealed the win for Vancouver, taking the final score to 7-4.
The Canucks showcased their offensive prowess, with contributions from various players, including Teddy Blueger and Conor Garland. Goalie Thatcher Demko made crucial saves, tying him for the NHL lead with 17 wins. The Sharks, despite efforts from players like Hertl and Zetterlund, couldn’t match the Canucks’ intensity and scoring depth.
The victory leaves Vancouver in a strong position heading into the holiday break, with their third line of Blueger, Joshua, and Garland combining for 28 points in their last 10 games. The Sharks’ Hertl continues his goal-scoring form, but it wasn’t enough to counter the Canucks’ offensive onslaught.
