The Vancouver Canucks secured a 6-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday, marking their second consecutive win. The game was highlighted by a strong performance from several players, including Nils Hoglander, Teddy Blueger, and Kiefer Sherwood, who each recorded two assists. Goaltender Arturs Silovs made 17 saves in his first start in seven games, earning his second win of the season.
This was only the second time this season the Canucks scored six goals, and the first time in 17 games they scored more than three goals in regulation or overtime. Elias Pettersson, who scored for the fourth time in five games, commented that the win was a “definite boost” for the team. A significant portion of the goals came from Vancouver’s third and fourth lines, which have been playing well all season. Quinn Hughes, who also scored in the game, expressed his satisfaction with the contributions from these lines, stressing that the team will need everyone to keep performing as they head into the final stretch of the season with just 16 games left.
Silovs’ win was his first since November 16, when he last beat Chicago. The 23-year-old goalie reflected on the ups and downs of the season, viewing this victory as an important learning experience.
On the Blackhawks’ side, Ryan Donato had two assists, and goaltender Arvid Soderblom allowed six goals on just 15 shots. Chicago finished a four-game road trip with a 0-3-1 record, and defenseman Connor Murphy highlighted the team’s inability to maintain consistency during games, especially on the road where opponents capitalize on mistakes.
The Canucks took control early in the first period, with Hughes opening the scoring at 17:46, followed by a quick goal from Tyler Myers just 35 seconds later to make it 2-0. Garland extended the lead to 3-0 early in the second period with a well-executed goal. The Blackhawks responded with Alex Vlasic’s screened shot, cutting the lead to 3-1.
Pettersson’s third-period goal at 4:01 gave the Canucks a 4-1 lead, though the Blackhawks quickly pulled one back through Wyatt Kaiser’s wrist shot at 5:22 to make it 4-2. However, the Canucks responded with two goals in rapid succession—Nils Aman and Suter both found the back of the net just eight seconds apart, securing the 6-2 final score.
Interim coach Anders Sorensen of the Blackhawks attributed the loss to defensive mistakes and a lack of support for Soderblom, especially on lateral plays that left him exposed.
In injury news, Canucks forward Filip Chytil left the game late in the third period after being hit into the boards by Chicago’s Jason Dickinson. Coach Rick Tocchet did not have an update on Chytil’s condition after the game, but described the hit as “pretty bad.”
The win allowed the Canucks to continue their pattern of alternating between consecutive losses and wins over their last eight games. Additionally, the quick-fire goals by Aman and Suter, just eight seconds apart, tied the second-fastest two goals in franchise history.