On the one year anniversary of Jake Debrusk scoring his first of the season for the Boston Bruins, Nov. 2nd, 2023. He did it again with the Vancouver Canucks, Nov. 2nd, 2024, his first as a Canuck as well. Another ‘on this day’ one year ago was a 10-1 Canucks win in San Jose, against the Sharks.
That certainly wasn’t the case this time around, as the Canucks managed to squeak by the Sharks 3-2 on a late third period goal by Pius Suter, giving the road team the win with just 20 seconds remaining in regulation. It was Suter’s second goal of the game.
Goaltender, Kevin Lankinen, remained undefeated in regulation and made some stellar saves for the Canucks. This team would not have a 5-2-3 record without Lankinen, he’s been remarkable, to say the least.
Prior to their game in Anaheim, on Tuesday night, the Canucks sent Arshdeep Bains to Abbotsford (AHL) and recalled Atu Raty.
The Ducks opened the scoring on an early first period power play. But goaltender Kevin Lankinen shut the door the rest of the way, as Vancouver takes this one 5-1. Boeser and Sherwood scored a few minutes apart, in the first period. Sherwood’s a beautiful one timer on the rush with a nice feed from Erik Brannstrom. Jake Debrusk scored his 2nd goal in as many games. Danton Heinen and Elias Pettersson rounded out the scoring.
Canucks captain, Quinn Hughes, hit another impressive milestone. He became the 3rd fastest defenseman in NHL History to 300 assists. Trailing only Bobby Orr and Brian Leetch, and just ahead of Paul Coffey. That’s truly elite company. Head coach, Rick Tocchet, commented post game on Quinn Hughes; “He’s a pleasure to coach and always tries to work on his game. That’s what I love about him.”
It is remarkable to watch this guy play hockey, weather you’re a Canucks fan or just a fan in general.
The Canucks move to 6-2-3 on the season, and still haven’t played their best hockey.
On Thursday night, against the Los Angeles Kings, the Canucks completed a perfect sweep of the California teams, defeating the Kings 4-2. It was their best defensive game of the season, and Quinn Hughes was again outstanding.
Canuck goals came from Connor Garland, Jake Debrusk, JT Miller, and Hughes himself. But the bigger story, and rally point, was Brock Boeser leaving the game after a high, illegal hit to the head from Tanner Jeannot of the Kings. Jeannot was assessed a match penalty in which Garland scored on the ensuing power play.
There was no immediate update on Boeser, who may have suffered concussion like symptoms. Again, there is no place in the game for that kind of hit. A suspension is likely, and should be, incoming for Jeannot. Head coach, Rick Tocchet, said post game; “Brock is a big part of our team and guys did a nice job filling in. I’ve got to take a look at it (hit) and obviously it’s a dangerous play.”
Goaltender, Kevin Lankinen, moved to 7-0-2 on the season. Very impressive.
The Canucks are now 7-2-3 and starting to hit their stride. They return home for 6 games beginning Saturday night against the Edmonton Oilers.
