The Vancouver Canucks faced the Boston Bruins on December 14, 2024, at Rogers Arena, where rookie forward Max Sasson made headlines by scoring his first career NHL goal. This milestone came during what was otherwise a challenging game for the Canucks, who suffered a 5-1 defeat.
Max Sasson's debut goal was significant not just for him but also for the franchise, marking him as the 492nd player to find the net for the Canucks. With this goal, Sasson became the 21st player to score for Vancouver this season, showcasing the increasing need for contributions from every member of the roster amid the team's struggles.
Sasson's goal came with assistance from veteran J.T. Miller, who has proven to be instrumental to the team. The rookie's tally was especially notable considering the fluctuations the Vancouver roster has seen recently. Just prior to this game, Vancouver had made some strategic moves, recalling players from their AHL affiliate, the Abbotsford Canucks. These changes were intended to bolster the team and spark some much-needed momentum.
Before this game against the Bruins, the Canucks had called up forwards Sasson and Aatu Raty, along with defenseman Mark Friedman, signaling their urgency as injuries and performance issues weighed down their roster. Goaltender Arturs Silovs was also recalled due to emergency circumstances, highlighting the team's depth issues. Coach Rick Tocchet noted the necessity of these changes, particularly with goalkeeper Kevin Lankinen absent due to illness.
Max Sasson, who made the leap from NCAA hockey at Western Michigan University, was signed as an undrafted free agent on March 26, 2023. His transition to the professional level showed promise, as he recorded 53 points across 79 games with the Abbotsford Canucks last season. This performance set the stage for his call-up to the NHL.
Since making his NHL debut on November 23, 2024, against the Ottawa Senators, Sasson had accumulated four assists over his first nine games, averaging about 9:24 of ice time per match. Despite being on the ice for limited durations, he contributed defensively, blocking seven shots and delivering six hits. His first NHL goal, revealed midway through the third period against the Bruins, was the only score for the Canucks as they struggled to match the Bruins’ play.
The game saw the Bruins capitalize early, with Brad Marchand netting the opening goal, silencing the Canucks' home crowd. Overall, the Bruins displayed offensive prowess, with goals from David Pastrnak and others, cementing their victory. Pastrnak's notable performance—he contributed three assists—helped the Bruins stabilize after previous losses, including two heavy defeats leading up to this game.
Canucks' goaltender Thatcher Demko faced 29 shots and made 24 saves, but the defensive lineup struggled throughout, resulting in another loss at home. This dropped Vancouver's record to 5-7-4 at Rogers Arena for the season, amplifying concerns about performance consistency.
After the game, analysts reflected on Sasson's goal as a bright spot amid adversity. His contribution is expected to encourage stronger performances moving forward. The team is now tasked with regrouping as they prepare for their upcoming match against the Colorado Avalanche, aiming to end their current six-game homestand on a high note.
With exciting prospects embedded within the roster, the Canucks are eager for continued development from players like Max Sasson, who, with his inaugural goal, may just be at the start of a promising NHL career.
