VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — The Vancouver Canucks faced off against the Ottawa Senators on December 21, 2024, but couldn’t clinch victory, losing 5-4 after overtime. The game showcased not only thrilling overtime action but also highlighted the current struggles and strengths of the Canucks as they battled it out at home.
Brock Boeser stood out, scoring two goals for the Canucks and tying the game with just 4:50 left on the clock. His tying goal came when he launched a rebound past the Senators’ goaltender, Leevi Merilainen, marking his moment of resurgence after overcoming a four-game scoring slump. Boeser now has 10 goals and 21 points over 26 appearances this season.
Despite Boeser’s efforts, it was Jake Sanderson who sent fans home with mixed emotions as he netted the game-winner for the Senators just 15 seconds after the overtime commenced. Sanderson’s performance not only added another win to the Senators’ tally, extending their current winning streak to six games but also made history, as it's the first time since March 2017 they've accomplished such a feat.
Other significant contributions from the Senators included Shane Pinto, who scored twice, and Claude Giroux, who added another goal. Josh Norris also made plays during the match, scoring on a short-handed opportunity. For the Canucks, Quinn Hughes, aside from his goal, contributed two assists, tallying 40 points on the season. This stat places Hughes among the elite, as he is the seventh defenseman in NHL history to reach this milestone within 33 games for multiple seasons.
Canucks goalie Kevin Lankinen faced 22 shots, making 17 saves; his record reflects the pressure felt by the team as they navigated the game. The loss keeps the Canucks at 16-10-7 for the season, with their home record now standing at 6-7-5. They have lost four of their last five games, raising concern for fans and analysts alike.
The game is notable not just for the final score but also for the conversations among players about team dynamics. Quinn Hughes expressed the importance of unity, stating, "It is a family in here" during post-game interviews. This sentiment echoes the team’s need for cohesion as they address recent performance issues, particularly among stars like J.T. Miller. Miller has not scored since returning from injury, and both Elias Pettersson and Conor Garland have gone without points, putting additional pressure on the roster.
Looking forward, the Canucks’ upcoming matchup against the San Jose Sharks presents not only another opportunity for redemption but also the chance to reevaluate strategies to reinvigorate their offensive skills. The buzz around potential changes and adjustments could be pivotal as they aim to regain momentum.
The Senators, on the other hand, will take this victory as they prepare to visit the Edmonton Oilers, with their eyes on extending their win streak even more. Both teams are now assessing the road ahead as they attempt to influence their standings within the NHL.
Overall, the Canucks’ latest performances have left fans eager yet anxious about their season. The upcoming games will be telling as they look to spark much-needed turnaround efforts, starting against the Sharks, who will likely present their own challenges.
