The Vancouver Canucks are riding high after a thrilling 5-4 shootout victory against the Boston Bruins on Saturday night, December 20, 2025, at TD Garden. In a game that saw momentum swing back and forth, it was rookie Liam Ohgren who emerged as the hero, scoring the only goal in a dramatic seven-round shootout to secure the Canucks’ fourth consecutive win. The win not only extended Vancouver’s impressive streak but also handed Boston its third loss in four games, intensifying the Eastern Conference playoff race as the season approaches its midway point.
Saturday’s clash had all the makings of a classic, with both teams trading goals and showcasing their offensive firepower. Linus Karlsson led the Canucks with a pair of goals, while Max Sasson chipped in with a crucial tally. For the Bruins, Morgan Geekie continued his remarkable season by netting his 25th goal, solidifying his position as the NHL’s second-leading scorer. Pavel Zacha and Tanner Jeannot also found the back of the net for Boston, keeping the home crowd engaged deep into the third period.
The game began with Boston looking to bounce back after a recent slump, but Vancouver, fresh off a victory over the New York Islanders the night before, showed no signs of fatigue. Early on, the Bruins outshot the Canucks 13-3, setting a frenetic pace. Yet, it was Max Sasson who broke through, slipping a wrister past Jeremy Swayman to tie the game and swing momentum toward Vancouver.
Linus Karlsson was a force all night, redirecting an Evander Kane pass into the net just over four minutes into the second period to give Vancouver a 2-1 lead. The Bruins responded quickly, as Pavel Zacha capitalized on a Vancouver defensive miscue to level the score. Just over two minutes later, Tanner Jeannot received a spinning, backhand pass from Mark Kastelic and fired a one-timer past Canucks goalie Kevin Lankinen, putting Boston ahead 3-2.
But the Canucks refused to wilt. Karlsson struck again early in the third, unleashing a rising wrist shot under the crossbar to knot the game at three. The see-saw battle continued until Ohgren, displaying poise beyond his years, tipped in the go-ahead goal at 7:34 of the third period. The Canucks’ bench erupted as their rookie sensation delivered in a high-pressure moment.
Boston, however, was not done. With just 3:44 remaining in regulation, Andrew Peeke’s shot from the point ricocheted off the post, bounced off Lankinen’s arm, and trickled into the net, tying the contest 4-4 and sending the TD Garden faithful into a frenzy. The final minutes were tense, with both teams pressing for the winner, but neither could break the deadlock before the horn sounded.
The overtime period was equally intense, but both goaltenders stood tall. Jeremy Swayman, who finished the night with 18 saves, and Lankinen, making his first start since December 8, delivered clutch stops to force the shootout. Lankinen, who had been mired in a personal six-game losing streak, was particularly sharp, turning aside 38 shots in regulation and overtime and regaining his confidence at a crucial juncture.
The shootout itself was a marathon, with neither side able to solve the opposing netminder through six rounds. Finally, in the seventh round, Ohgren stepped up, shifted around Swayman, and tucked a backhander home for the only shootout tally. The Canucks’ bench erupted as Lankinen stopped Boston’s final attempt, sealing the victory and ending his own losing skid in style.
“It was a crazy game,” Ohgren said postgame, grinning from ear to ear. “We just kept battling. I saw an opening in the shootout and went for it. Feels amazing to help the team get the win.” According to Reuters, Ohgren’s composure under pressure was a major talking point in the Vancouver locker room, with teammates and coaches praising his maturity and skill.
For the Canucks, this win marks their fourth straight and adds to a growing sense of belief within the squad. Head coach Rick Tocchet lauded his team’s resilience, saying, “We didn’t have our best start, but the guys stuck with it. Lankinen was huge for us, and the young guys are really stepping up.” The victory also highlights Vancouver’s improved depth, with contributions coming from across the lineup and young players like Karlsson, Sasson, and Ohgren making significant impacts.
On the Boston side, the loss was a tough pill to swallow. The Bruins have now dropped three of their last four games, and while their offensive stars continue to produce, defensive lapses and inconsistent goaltending have raised questions among fans and analysts alike. Morgan Geekie’s scoring prowess remains a bright spot, but head coach Jim Montgomery acknowledged postgame that the team needs to clean up its play in front of its own net.
“We’re not happy with the result,” Montgomery said. “We let them hang around too long, and in this league, that’ll cost you. Credit to Vancouver—they played hard. We’ve got to regroup quickly.” The Bruins will not have much time to dwell on the defeat, as they are set to host the Ottawa Senators on Sunday, December 21, in what is shaping up to be a pivotal contest as the playoff race heats up.
Looking ahead, the Canucks will close out their five-game road trip with a matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday, December 22. With momentum firmly on their side and key players finding their stride, Vancouver is poised to make a push up the Western Conference standings. The team’s recent run, fueled by a blend of youthful exuberance and veteran leadership, has fans in British Columbia dreaming of a deep playoff run.
As the holiday break approaches, both teams find themselves at critical junctures. The Canucks are surging, brimming with confidence and chemistry, while the Bruins are searching for answers to halt their recent slide. Saturday night’s thriller in Boston may well be remembered as a turning point for both clubs as the NHL season barrels toward its second half.
For now, Vancouver will savor a hard-fought victory in hostile territory, while Boston looks to regroup and find its winning formula once again. With the playoff picture still wide open, every point—and every shootout hero—is sure to matter.
