The Vancouver Canucks got a big performance from superstar Elias Pettersson to beat the Calgary Flames 3-1 tonight.
The Swedish star continued his recent run of good play to help his team claim the two points up for grabs on his birthday. He had a goal and an assist, recording his second straight multi-point game, the first time he’s done that this season.
Beside the points, the centre also had 13 faceoff wins and the Canucks controlled more than 70% of the expected goals while he was on the ice at five-on-five. He was named the first star of the game.
Pettersson’s two points tonight pushed him past Bo Horvat for 10th place all-time on the franchise point leaderboard.
“I feel good,” said the forward after the game. “Chipping away, getting better everyday, and excited for next game.”
Climbing his way up the record books. 📚
Congratulations Petey on reaching 10th all-time points in #Canucks history! pic.twitter.com/cdVvcLqrjQ
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) November 13, 2024
The 25-year-old wasn’t the only Canucks player to have a strong game. Defenceman Erik Brannstrom also was a standout and finished with two points of his own.
While the Canucks won the game, it was the Flames who scored first. Justin Kirland put home a loose puck to give the visitors the lead. They carried that lead into the first intermission.
The Justin Kirkland story continues. ☝️
📺: SN1
📲: Stream on Sportsnet+ pic.twitter.com/HNypXXDy7I— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 13, 2024
The Canucks then dominated the middle frame, scoring twice and taking the lead. Pettersson got the first goal with a nice deflection on the power play and that was followed by a Pius Suter marker.
“It was good,” said J.T. Miller about the team’s performance. “Really took over in the second period. We know that’s a tired team over there, long change for them in the second, thought we did a good job of making them play a lot of defence.”
Elias Pettersson 🎂
Ties Bo Horvat for the 10th most points in #Canucks history with 420 pic.twitter.com/fLq8ahZ47V
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) November 13, 2024
The Canucks’ final goal was scored by Brannstrom, marking his first with the team.
Goalie Kevin Lankinen bounced back after being pulled last game against the Edmonton Oilers. He allowed just a single goal and finished with 27 saves to improve to 8-1-2 on the season.
Top prospect Jonathan Lekkerimaki made his NHL debut. The winger did not look out of place and had multiple scoring chances, although he didn’t record a point. He was cheered on by his parents who were at Rogers Arena for the big moment.
“It’s very special,” said the player about having his family there. “They’ve been there since day one.”
Mr and Mrs Lekkerimaki are here pic.twitter.com/SylITfrNYO
— Rob Williams (@RobTheHockeyGuy) November 13, 2024
Head coach Rick Tocchet showed a lot of trust in Lekkerimaki, giving the young player more than 14 minutes of ice-time and playing him on the top power play unit. The winger had two shots.
“He played really well today,” said Miller about Lekkerimaki. “Makes a lot of little subtle plays. He plays fast, he seems to be in the right spot most of the time. Really good, I’m very impressed.”