Pettersson’s Power Play Prowess Propels Canucks Over Flames
On a Tuesday night showdown, Elias Pettersson emerged as the star of the show, scoring a crucial power-play goal to level the game in the second period and assisting Erik Brannstrom in the third. This double act propelled the Vancouver Canucks to a solid 3-1 victory over the Calgary Flames. Pius Suter added to the scorecard for the Canucks, while J.T. Miller contributed with a pair of assists.
Canucks’ Wall: Kevin Lankinen Denies Flames with 28 Saves
Between the pipes, Vancouver’s Kevin Lankinen came up big, deflecting 28 shots, ensuring the Flames’ efforts were kept in check. For Calgary, Justin Kirkland registered the lone goal, while their netminder, Dan Vladar, recorded 29 saves.
Brannstrom’s Debut Canucks Goal
Brannstrom found the back of the net for the first time since joining the Canucks in an October 6 trade with Colorado. Fresh from the draft, Swedish rookie Jonathan Lekkerimaki made his Canucks debut, stepping in for the injured Brock Boeser on the first-unit power play. Boeser is currently sidelined with an upper-body injury sustained after a clash with Tanner Jeannot of the Los Angeles Kings.
Takeaways from the Canucks-Flames Matchup
Pettersson’s scoring run is noteworthy; following his goal against Edmonton, he has now scored in two consecutive games – a first in his last 50 regular-season games. His last back-to-back scoring streak was a three-game stretch from Jan. 15 to Jan. 20.
The Flames, however, have been struggling recently. After a promising start to their season with five wins in six games, they’ve won only three times in their last 11 outings (3-6-2).
The Turning Point
The Flames initially held a 1-0 lead, scoring at the 19-minute mark of the first period. However, a high-sticking penalty on defenseman Daniil Miromanov just before the period ended proved costly. Pettersson capitalized on this mistake just 23 seconds into the second period, tapping in Miller’s shot to equalize. Suter then put the Canucks ahead 2-1 just 2:15 later.
Noteworthy Statistic
The Canucks have been conceding the first goal for eight straight games but have managed to turn it around with a 5-2-1 record during this period.
What’s Next?
The Flames are set to start a four-game homestand against the Predators on Friday, while the Canucks will welcome the Islanders on Thursday.