Lekkerimaki Lifts Canucks Over Devils in 4-3 Shootout Thriller
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By Nemanja Petković
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Summary:
- The Vancouver Canucks bagged a much-needed 4-3 win victory against the New Jersey Devils in Newark on Monday night.
- Right-wing Jonathan Lekkerimaki provided the shootout winner after he scored in regulation.
- Pius Suter netted two goals while Thatcher Demko made 22 saves.
Right-wing Jonathan Lekkerimaki was just the hero that the Vancouver Canucks needed on Monday evening to secure a 4-3 win against the New Jersey Devils in Newark.
The 20-year-old born in Huddinge, Sweden, scored in regulation and also netted the decisive goal in the fourth round of the shootout, assisting the Canucks with their comeback that defeated the Devils.
The Battle for Wild-Card Spot Goes On
The victory helped Vancouver grab two critical points in their fight for a wild-card spot in the Western Conference.
Rick Tocchet’s team is still three points behind the St. Louis Blues, who currently occupy the final wild-card position.
In an interview with the media following their morning practice before the game, head coach Tocchet explained, “We’re running out of games, and we can’t fall too far back“, while also speaking about the “tough Jersey game coming up”.
When asked about captain Quinn Hughes, Tocchet said:
He wants to win so bad, he works on his game, he wants those moments. When he’s playing, we’re a different win, he’s got that common influence.
Hughes logged a game-high 31:38 of ice time and fired six shots on goal on Monday. This marked the fourth time this season that Hughes has played at least 30 minutes in a game.
Suter Scored Twice, Improving the Canucks to 3-1
Pius Suter stepped up for Vancouver with two goals, helping the team improve to 3-1 in shootouts this season.
Goaltender Thatcher Demko made a strong return, stopping 22 shots in his first start since sustaining a lower-body injury on February 8.
On the other side, Timo Meier led the Devils with two goals, while Erik Haula also found the back of the net.
Jacob Markstrom recorded 25 saves for New Jersey. The shootout saw Jake DeBrusk strike first for Vancouver in the opening round, while Jesper Bratt responded in the second round to keep New Jersey in contention.
It all came down to Lekkerimaki, who, in his first career shootout attempt, delivered the game-winner with a wrist shot past Markstrom.
Up next, the Canucks will carry on their road trip with a visit to the New York Islanders on Wednesday, the same day when the Devils will head to Chicago to take on the Blackhawks. Canadians can get the latest odds on these games and more with selected NHL sportsbooks
