- Kiefer Sherwood nets decisive goal with 3:45 remaining in third period
- Kevin Lankinen stands tall with 37 saves for Vancouver
- Elias Pettersson ends 15-game scoring drought with power-play marker
- Canucks leapfrog Flames for second Western Conference wild card spot
In a pivotal clash with playoff implications, the Vancouver Canucks edged the Minnesota Wild 3-1 Friday night at Rogers Arena. Kiefer Sherwood’s late third-period heroics and Kevin Lankinen’s 37-save masterpiece propelled Vancouver to their third win in five games, intensifying their postseason aspirations.
The Canucks struck first on a power play midway through the opening frame when Elias Pettersson snapped his 15-game scoring skid with a precision wrist shot. Minnesota’s Brock Faber equalized early in the third period during a man advantage, setting the stage for Sherwood’s dramatic winner. The 28-year-old forward pounced on a Filip Hronek feed, deftly kicking the puck to his stick before roofing it past Filip Gustavsson for his 14th tally of the campaign.
Vancouver’s penalty kill unit continued its dominant stretch, neutralizing 24 of 26 opposing power plays over their last 11 contests. This defensive resilience proved critical as the Wild pressed late, outshooting Vancouver 38-20 overall. Teddy Blueger iced the victory with an empty-netter in the final minute, sealing a vital two points in the standings.
The victory carries significant weight in the Western Conference playoff picture, pushing Vancouver one point clear of Calgary for the final wild card position. With captain Quinn Hughes sidelined by a lower-body injury, secondary contributors like Sherwood and Hronek (two assists) have elevated their play. Minnesota’s loss halts their two-game win streak despite welcoming new acquisition Justin Brazeau, acquired Thursday from Boston.
Three unique insights define this matchup: First, Sherwood’s emergence as a clutch scorer (14 goals) eases pressure on Vancouver’s top lines. Second, Lankinen’s .974 save percentage in his last three starts underscores the value of reliable goaltending depth. Third, Vancouver’s 88.9% penalty kill efficiency since February ranks third league-wide – a critical factor in tight contests.
Regionally, the Canucks’ surge mirrors Edmonton’s 2022 playoff push, where secondary scoring and stalwart goaltending propelled them past rivals. With crucial matchups against Dallas and Calgary looming, Vancouver’s ability to maintain defensive structure without Hughes could determine their postseason fate. As the Northwest Division race intensifies, Friday’s victory reinforces that every shift carries playoff-level consequences.
