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Canucks Edge Maple Leafs in Tightly Contested Match
VANCOUVER – In an exciting showdown, Brock Boeser netted a power play goal to secure a 2-1 victory for the Vancouver Canucks against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night. The decisive goal came midway through the third period, breaking a 1-1 tie.
Filip Hronek had an impressive night as he contributed both a goal and an assist for the Canucks (26-18-11), who are currently on a roll with three consecutive wins and a record of 6-1-1 over their last eight games. Meanwhile, Morgan Rielly scored Toronto’s lone goal, but the Leafs (33-20-2) faced their first loss during a Pacific Division road trip that included four games.
Thatcher Demko opened in goal for Vancouver, stopping all six shots in his brief 10 minutes on the ice before being relieved by backup Kevin Lankinen, who delivered a strong performance with 21 saves. On the opposing end, Joseph Woll, the goalie for the Maple Leafs, made 23 saves throughout the game.
Notably, Prince Harry was in attendance for the match, participating in the ceremonial puck drop ahead of the opening of the 2025 Invictus Games. This game marked the conclusion of the regular season games for both teams before they head to the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off tournament from February 12-20 in Montreal and Boston.
Takeaways from the Match
The Canucks played without star defenceman Quinn Hughes, who missed his fourth consecutive game due to an undisclosed injury. Hronek’s goal marked his third of the season, and he had not found the net since a January 23 loss to the Edmonton Oilers. Meanwhile, star center Elias Pettersson continued to struggle, extending his goal drought to nine games. The team’s longest winning streak this season remains four games, achieved back in October.
For the Maple Leafs, Rielly’s goal was notable as it was his sixth of the season and just his second in the last 40 games. The Leafs outshot the Canucks 14-6 in the second period, demonstrating their offensive pressure. Auston Matthews assisted on Rielly’s goal, marking his seventh assist in the last three matches, while the team is looking to replicate their longest winning streak of five games from earlier this season.
Key Moments and Statistics
One of the most critical moments occurred with just 1:57 remaining in the game, when Lankinen made a remarkable diving save to thwart a shot from Matthews during a Toronto power play, preserving the Canucks’ lead.
In terms of statistics, the Canucks have performed exceptionally well against the Leafs, boasting a 10-1-0 record in their last 11 home games against them.
What’s Next?
Looking ahead, the Leafs will host the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday, February 22, while the Canucks will travel to face the Vegas Golden Knights on the same day.
Source
globalnews.ca