The Vancouver Canucks picked up a crucial 3-1 win over the Minnesota Wild on Friday night at Rogers Arena, with Kiefer Sherwood playing hero late in the third period. His go-ahead goal with just 3:45 left in regulation sent the Canucks faithful into a frenzy, capping off an intense battle in which Vancouver was outshot (and honestly, outplayed) 38-20.
WIN OVER THE WILD❗️#Canucks | @McDonaldsCanada pic.twitter.com/46rnue7Jlb
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) March 8, 2025
SHERWOOD SHOOTS❗️
SHERWOOD SCORES❗️ pic.twitter.com/JdN7oEFwMx— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) March 8, 2025
Sherwood’s goal, his first in 16 games, came off a cross-ice feed from Filip Hronek. He controlled the puck off his skate and quickly fired it past Wild goalie Filip Gustavsson’s blocker. The crowd erupted, chanting Sherwood’s name as he celebrated.
“It’s pretty special. You can’t really put it into words, just black out a little … I’ve never played in a market like this or fan base that’s this crazy,” Sherwood said postgame.
Elias Pettersson also found the back of the net for the first time in 16 games, blasting a power-play one-timer past Gustavsson in the first period. The goal snapped a five-game point drought for Pettersson, who acknowledged his struggles but remained focused on improving.
https://twitter.com/Canucks/status/1898217212701557207
“I know this hasn’t been my best season, but I can’t change it,” Pettersson said. “I’m just trying to get better every day. And today was a good day, we got a win, had a goal.”
Goaltender Kevin Lankinen was the backbone of Vancouver’s victory, making 37 saves, including key stops on shorthanded chances and a crucial breakaway attempt from Marcus Johansson.
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“He’s been standing on his head all year. He’s been incredible for us,” Pettersson added about Lankinen’s performance.
The Wild dominated much of the game, outshooting Vancouver 15-5 in the third period and hitting the post three times throughout the contest. Brock Faber tied the game early in the third with a power-play blast from the top of the circles, but despite heavy pressure, Minnesota couldn’t find a way past Lankinen again.
With 54 seconds remaining, Teddy Blueger sealed the win with an empty-net goal.
The victory marks the Canucks’ second straight home win after a rough 1-4-0 road trip. Coach Rick Tocchet praised his team’s defensive play but emphasized the need for more offensive production.
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“I think we’ve been playing pretty good defense the last six weeks,” Tocchet said. “But, obviously, we’ve got to start scoring some goals.”
Vancouver will look to build momentum as they continue their push toward playoff positioning.