Vancouver Canucks right wing Jonathan Lekkerimäki celebrated after netting the decisive goal in a shootout against New Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markström on Monday night in Newark, N.J. The goal secured a victory for the Canucks in the NHL matchup. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Jonathan Lekkerimaki played the hero for the Vancouver Canucks on Monday night, scoring in regulation before sealing the win in the shootout against the New Jersey Devils. Vancouver staged a late comeback to claim a 4-3 victory, keeping their playoff hopes alive.
Canucks Fight Back for a Thrilling Win
The game had no shortage of excitement as Pius Suter netted two crucial goals for Vancouver. Goaltender Thatcher Demko, returning from a lower-body injury that kept him out since Feb. 8, made 22 saves in his comeback performance.
For the Devils, Timo Meier found the net twice, and Erik Haula added another goal. Jacob Markstrom stood strong between the pipes, registering 25 saves.
The back-and-forth battle saw the Devils take a 3-2 lead late in the third period when Haula capitalized on an opportunity with just over six minutes left. However, Suter responded with his second goal of the night, tying the game at 3-3 with only 36 seconds remaining in regulation.
Shootout Drama Seals Canucks' Victory
The shootout saw Vancouver's Jake DeBrusk strike first, only for New Jersey’s Jesper Bratt to equalize in the second round. The decisive moment arrived in the fourth round when Lekkerimaki stepped up for his first career shootout attempt. The young forward fired a wrist shot past Markstrom, securing the win for Vancouver.
Key Moments & Standout Performances
The game featured several highlight-reel moments, including a critical save by Markstrom, who denied Quinn Hughes on a breakaway in overtime. Hughes had an outstanding individual performance, logging 31 minutes and 38 seconds on the ice and recording six shots on goal—his fourth game this season with over 30 minutes of ice time.
Playoff Picture & What’s Next
With this victory, the Canucks earned two valuable points, keeping them three points behind the St. Louis Blues for the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference.
For the Devils, the loss still helped them inch ahead of the Ottawa Senators in the Metropolitan Division, now holding a two-point lead with three more games played.
Both teams hit the road for their next matchups on Wednesday, with Vancouver visiting the New York Islanders and New Jersey travelling to face the Chicago Blackhawks.
