After a goalless first period, Pettersson opened the scoring in the 26th minute. The Swedish forward ended the Canucks’ quick transition into the frontcourt with an accurate shot to put the home team ahead.
After five minutes, Boeser took advantage of the power play and made it 2:0 with his first goal of the season. The striker, who has surpassed the 20-goal mark four times in the last five years, waited eleven long games for his first goal.
Lizotte narrowed the score to 1:2 in the 34th minute, but thanks to Pettersson the hosts recovered to a two-goal difference in the second half. The 24-year-old Swede scored his 22nd point of the season and moved into the league’s productivity elite ten.
In the third period, Boeser closed the scoring with his second goal of the game to help the Canucks to their second straight victory. The home team, which at the beginning of the season was expecting its first victory in seven rounds, moved to 13th place in the Western Conference. Los Angeles remains second despite the loss.
“I think we played the best game of the season. You can see that the opponent pushed us at times, but we managed it and won. The important thing was the goalkeeper’s performance, who played an excellent game” said Vancouver coach Bruce Boudreau.
Goalkeeper Thatcher Demko blocked 37 shots. He showed a great performance especially in the third act, when he stopped all 16 attempts and did not allow the guests to score a contact goal. The 26-year-old goalkeeper is not having an easy season. He is one of the NHL’s worst in both goaltender statistics and has only two wins in twelve games. The performance against Los Angeles was a welcome boost for him.
“Yesterday I trained well and got ready for the game. I knew I had to start and the game against the Kings was the right opportunity for me. I’m glad it worked out and I hope things finally go in the right direction.” said Demko, who conceded under three goals for the first time this season.
| Vancouver – Los Angeles 4:1 (0:0, 3:1, 1:0) |
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| Goals: 26. and 35. E. Pettersson, 31. and 46. Boeser – 34. Lizotte. Shots on goal: 25:37. Spectators: 18,841 Protagonists of the match: 1. Boeser, 2. Pettersson, 3. Demko (all Vancouver). |
