The Vancouver Canucks celebrated a rare victory on Thursday night, securing a 2-0 win over the Anaheim Ducks. This game featured a unique situation for goalie Nikita Tolopilo, who almost achieved his first shutout but fell short due to a concussion protocol.
Tolopilo’s Performance Amid Protocols
Nikita Tolopilo, in his tenth NHL game, was impressive in the net, stopping all 33 shots he faced during his 57 minutes of play. However, the 25-year-old was pulled from the game for observation after the first period due to concussion testing, missing the chance for a clean sheet.
Coaching Decisions
Coach Adam Foote addressed the situation, noting the timing constraints of the concussion protocol. “It takes a while, but I think I actually did it pretty quickly,” he stated, expressing his intention to put Tolopilo back in as soon as he was cleared.
Game Highlights
- First intermission saw Tolopilo substituted by Kevin Lankinen, who played the remaining 2:11 of the second period.
- The victory marked only the second win for the Canucks in their last 16 games.
- Vancouver improved their home record to 6-17-3 in the current season.
The game’s first score came from Drew O’Connor with 9:42 left in the third. His goal, assisted by Jake DeBrusk, was significant as it broke the scoreless tie. DeBrusk praised O’Connor, saying, “He was in the right spot at the right time.”
Ducks Struggle Continues
The loss was another setback for the Ducks, marking their second consecutive defeat after a seven-game winning streak. This streak had previously placed them in playoff contention.
Looking Ahead
The Canucks will face the Toronto Maple Leafs in their final home game before the Olympic break. The team will then hit the road for games against Utah and Vegas before the NHL break starts on February 6.
