RALEIGH, N.C. — Elias Lindholm made a spectacular debut for the Vancouver Canucks, scoring two power-play goals to lead his new team to a 3-2 victory against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena on Tuesday. Acquired from the Calgary Flames, Lindholm’s immediate impact helped extend the Canucks’ impressive point streak to 12 games, as they now stand at 34-11-5 for the season.
Lindholm’s performance was a testament to his adaptability and skill, contributing significantly despite the flurry of new information and adjustments associated with joining a new team. “I just tried to play my game, work hard, and keep it simple,” Lindholm remarked, reflecting on his successful debut.
The Canucks, who have been on a roll with a 10-0-2 streak, received additional scoring from J.T. Miller, who netted the go-ahead goal in the third period. Key assists from Brock Boeser and Quinn Hughes, alongside a strong 22-save performance from Thatcher Demko, solidified Vancouver’s win.
The Hurricanes, despite efforts from Sebastian Aho and Jordan Martinook, couldn’t sustain their three-game winning streak preceding the All-Star break. Pyotr Kochetkov, in his first start since January 11, made 16 saves for Carolina, now positioned at 28-16-5.
Carolina’s coach Rod Brind’Amour acknowledged the team’s slow start and the Canucks’ competitive edge. “We were terrible to start, they were good. We got a little better… We probably deserved better in the third, just didn’t happen,” Brind’Amour said, highlighting the game’s competitiveness.
Lindholm’s goals, both resulting from deft redirects of Hughes’ shots, showcased his knack for being in the right place at the right time and his ability to make significant plays. His second goal, in particular, underscored the chemistry beginning to form with his new teammates, with Hughes praising Lindholm’s skill and anticipation.
The Hurricanes managed to keep the game competitive, with Aho’s power-play goal tying the game in the second period. However, Miller’s fortunate third-period goal, which capitalized on an unusual bounce off the stanchion, ultimately sealed the win for Vancouver.
The game not only highlighted Lindholm’s seamless integration into the Canucks but also the team’s collective resilience and strategic play, especially on special teams. As Vancouver continues to build momentum, their performance against a strong Hurricanes team emphasizes their potential for continued success in the league.
With contributions from key players like Demko, Hughes, and Boeser, and now Lindholm, the Canucks appear poised for a deep run, reflecting the depth and talent within their roster. As for the Hurricanes, despite the setback, their competitive spirit and ability to challenge one of the league’s top teams indicate they remain contenders as the season progresses.
