On December 16, 2024, the Vancouver Canucks faced off against the Colorado Avalanche at Rogers Arena, and the night turned out to be one for the books, especially for winger Kiefer Sherwood, who accomplished what many players dream of at least once: scoring his first NHL hat trick. The Canucks triumphed 3-1, showcasing skill and tenacity against one of the league’s formidable teams.
Sherwood's performance was nothing short of brilliant, as he netted his goals with precision and grit. He kicked off the scoring frenzy at 16:14 of the first period, hammering home a rebound from Danton Heinen. Sherwood's blazing enthusiasm was apparent, his hunger for success visible as he skated back to the bench, prompting cheers from the delighted home crowd as chants of "Kie-fer Sher-wood!" reverberated off the arena walls.
His second goal came just after the halfway mark of the game during the second period, illuminating both his opportunistic nature and his exceptional speed. While the Avalanche were on the power play, Sherwood intercepted Nathan MacKinnon’s pass and embarked on a breakaway, eluding defenders to send off a wrist shot past goalie Mackenzie Blackwood with finesse. This short-handed goal not only padded Vancouver’s lead to 2-0, but it also underscored Colorado's struggles on the power play, which has recently fallen flat with only one successful conversion out of 19 attempts over their last seven outings.
Completing his hat trick came with little drama 17:25 minutes through the final period when Sherwood scored with the net empty, bringing his total to 11 goals for the season. This already exceeds his previous career high of ten, set last year with the Nashville Predators. It was clear this was not just another game; it was Sherwood's moment to shine, and he took full advantage of it.
While Sherwood was stealing the show with his athleticism, team goalie Thatcher Demko was busy one-upping his own previous performances. Demko made 30 saves during the game, securing his first win of the season after returning from injury. His solid play included remarkable reflexes and alertness, particularly during moments when the Avalanche pressed hard for goals. He faced relentless assaults, particularly when his teammates faltered, including shots from all-star Nathan MacKinnon, who came close several times but was repeatedly thwarted.
The Canucks came off fresh from their last game, having endured criticism from head coach Rick Tocchet after suffering an embarrassing 5-1 loss against the Boston Bruins. The players clearly took his words to heart as they stepped onto the ice on Monday night, showing physical prowess and engagement from the get-go. They entered this matchup determined to correct their previous missteps, putting the criticism aside and channeling their energy to dominate the ice.
The response to Tocchet's critiques revealed the team’s mental fortitude. Leading up to this game, the Canucks were struggling with consistency, as evidenced by their uneven performance at Rogers Arena, where they held a modest home record of 6-7-4 prior to the match against Colorado. Yet, the energy and focus they exhibited indicated they were ready to finally turn things around.
Colorado came to Vancouver on the heels of strong performances, having won four out of their last five games and sporting a potent offense. They featured star players, including MacKinnon and Cale Makar. Their scoring capabilities suggested they would pose a significant threat. Still, the Canucks managed to shut down those hopes, limiting the Avalanche to just one goal, scored by Valeri Nichushkin with mere seconds remaining on the clock. The Avalanche struggled to capitalize on their scoring chances and had difficulty maintaining possession against the relentless Canucks defense, who delivered with 30 hits and four successful penalty kills.
For the ambitious Sherwood, this hat trick signifies more than personal achievement; it marks his ascent as a key player within the Canucks. Reflecting on his successful night, he encapsulated the essence of team spirit by saying, “We know we had to attack them low and create possessions and things will open up.” His attitude highlights the collaborative nature of hockey and shows just how the collective effort of the team can lead to individual glory.
Coach Tocchet acknowledged the importance of Sherwood’s contributions, expressing his initial belief from summer training camp about Sherwood's potential. “I called him during the summer on Sunday, and he was going to shoot pucks,” Tocchet recalled. “He told me he had some offensive game in him. He does, and he gives us juice,” he noted, emphasizing Sherwood's high energy and aggressive playstyle.
Looking at future matchups, the Canucks are scheduled to visit the Utah Hockey Club for their next game, where they hope to build on their recent success. Meanwhile, Colorado will head to San Jose, aiming to bounce back after this defeat. Both teams have their work cut out for them, but for Sherwood and the Canucks, the 3-1 win against the Avalanche is a glorious stepping stone as they aspire for greater consistency and success this season.
