NHL: San Jose Sharks at Vancouver Canucks - Source: Imagn

3 most impressive Vancouver Canucks players from 4-3 win over San Jose Sharks feat. Elias Pettersson

Modified Dec 24, 2024 06:10 GMT

The Vancouver Canucks were desperate to end a three-game losing skid that saw them fail to pick up points against the Vegas Golden Knights and Utah Hockey Club along with only getting one of two points in an overtime loss to the Ottawa Senators.

Meanwhile, the San Jose Sharks entered Monday's game against Vancouver hoping to break out of a four-game skid.

In the end, only one team was able to get back into the winning column, and it was the host Canucks. They defeated the Sharks by a 4-3 final score at Rogers Arena, improving their record to 17-10-7, while the Sharks fell to 11-20-6.

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The Sharks gained the upper hand in the first period thanks to a power-play goal from William Eklund, his seventh tally of the season. But just under four minutes later, Brock Boeser knotted the score with his 11th goal.

There was no scoring in the second period until under five minutes left when Kiefer Sherwood scored his 12th at the 16:42 mark. The stage was then set for Elias Pettersson to take over, as he scored twice within 44 seconds to give the Canucks a 4-1 lead; it was the two quickest goals he's scored in his NHL career.

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The Sharks would fight their way back and make things interesting thanks to third-period goals from Cody Ceci followed by Luke Kunin, but they'd get no further.

3 most impressive Vancouver Canucks players from 4-3 win over San Jose Sharks

#1. Elias Pettersson

Pettersson has been the subject of rumors regarding an alleged ongoing feud between himself and teammate J.T. Miller, something he strongly pushed back upon.

And he pushed back even harder with his vintage performance on Monday, scoring the two quickest goals of his career and reminding fans everywhere of why he immediately gained a reputation for his goal-scoring prowess upon his introduction into the NHL just a few short years ago.

#2. Quinn Hughes

The Canucks captain and reigning Norris Trophy winner registered a pair of helpers during the win, adding to his already impressive total just weeks after setting a new franchise record for helpers by a defenseman.

Hughes also finished with a +1 rating.

#3. Thatcher Demko

It's been an up-and-down tenure for Demko since his return from the injury that kept him out of action from Game 2 of the opening round of last season's postseason until earlier this month. He's battled rust but has also shown signs of the goaltender who's become regarded as one of the best in the NHL.

He picked up the win against the Sharks, making 26 saves on 29 shots.

The final goal he allowed took place with just under 10 seconds left in regulation with the outcome all but officially decided. While it wasn't his best outing, a win is a win in the NHL, and Demko will take it.

The Canucks will look to keep their winning momentum going when they host the Seattle Kraken at Rogers Arena next on Saturday.