Canucks Start New Year Off With A 4–3 Shootout Win Against The Kraken

Despite taking a 4–3 victory against the Seattle Kraken in a shootout, the Vancouver Canucks suffered a loss in their first game of 2025. Thatcher Demko started in net for the Canucks, putting up 11 saves on 12 shots against, but left the match after an apparent injury. Kevin Lankinen came in for relief and made 13 saves on 15 shots, and saved all three Kraken shootout attempts. Seattle goaltender Philipp Grubauer stopped 19 of 22 shots. Max Sasson, Conor Garland, and Tyler Myers scored for Vancouver, with J.T. Miller winning the shootout. Chandler Stephenson, Matty Beniers, and Vince Dunn scored for Seattle.

Vancouver’s previous matchup against Seattle saw the Canucks give up a 4–1 lead, letting the Kraken take the game in overtime while at Rogers Arena. The Canucks were without stars Quinn Hughes and Elias Pettersson once more, and Vancouver veteran Guillaume Brisebois took Erik Brännström’s place in the lineup. Brisebois had not played in an NHL game since March 31, 2023, against the Calgary Flames.

The Canucks let in the first goal of the game for the 19th time this season, as Stephenson put a shot on Demko which trickled through and into the net. It was a goal that Demko would have wanted to have back. However, a couple of minutes later, the goaltender redeemed himself with a remarkable split-save to rob Jaden Schwartz. After Carson Soucy turned the puck over, Demko made another quick save to keep the score 1–0.

Vancouver struggled to find their legs early on, spending most of the first period in their own zone. Every line seemed to be trapped close to Demko, with the fourth line of Sasson, Danton Heinen, and Nils Höglander bringing some energy early on. After taking an offensive-zone faceoff, some quick passing from his linemates allowed Sasson to tuck the puck into the net. His second career NHL goal tied the game at 1–1.

With less than three minutes left in the period, Miller took a cross-checking penalty to send the Kraken to the power play. Seattle had their chances, applying pressure in the form of six shots, but ended their man-advantage by taking a hooking penalty. Myers manned the blueline for the Canucks’ first power play unit, with the 6’8 defenceman taking hefty shots and remaining stagnant near the edge of the offensive zone. While the power play continued into the second period, Vancouver was unable to capitalize on the opportunity.

Latest From THN’s Vancouver Canucks Site:

Canucks Karlsson Ties AHL Franchise Points Record

Former Canucks Center Speaks On Reported Rift Between Miller & Pettersson

Vancouver Canucks 2025 New Year’s Resolutions

Vancouver and Seattle traded chances throughout the second period, with Garland scoring the 2–1 goal that came from a nifty move to get past Grubauer. While the Canucks took the lead off this chance, the moment was overshadowed by the disappearance of Demko from Vancouver’s net. Lankinen came into the game immediately after Garland’s goal was scored. Off the bat, Lankinen was peppered with three different shots from Brandon Montour and Oliver Bjorkstrand, but made timely saves on every single one.

Initially, Lankinen was scheduled to play against the Nashville Predators tomorrow night, but if Demko is unavailable for an extended period of time, Canucks fans could see the return of playoff hero Artūrs Šilovs. Canucks Head Coach Rick Tocchet later clarified that Demko’s departure was due to “back spasms” that he believes are not too serious.

After Lankinen’s larceny to start his time on the ice, the Canucks piled the pressure on Seattle with a slew of close-up and wide-range shots. Vancouver kept the Kraken hemmed into their own zone, forcing Seattle defender Jamie Oleksiak to stay on the ice for 4:12. Chances by Myers, Höglander, and Kiefer Sherwood were sent Grubauer’s way, but ultimately, the game remained 2–1.

In a game where Vancouver lost yet another one of their stars, it was the depth players who elevated the team. Höglander, having faced criticism for the majority of the season, threw timely hits and helped lead the play into Seattle’s zone. Phil Di Giuseppe brought the puck closer and closer to the Kraken’s net to help set up more chances. Newly-minted first-unit power play quarterback, Myers, channeled his inner Hughes to put the Canucks’ lead up 3–1. He had a team-leading five shots on goal and 25:47 total minutes played.

Just over seven minutes into the third period, Miller took a hooking penalty in the offensive zone to send Seattle onto the power play. While Lankinen made a save that was sure to fake out many viewers (guilty as charged), a chance by Montour was blocked by Pius Suter and eventually led to a slapshot goal by Beniers.

With a one-goal lead, Vancouver faced down a hungry Kraken team with an empty net for over two minutes left in the third period. While Seattle initially set themselves up well, Vancouver cleared the puck and left the Kraken jammed up in the middle of the ice. However, after a clear followed by a fast Seattle breakout, Dunn scored to make the game 3–3. Safe to say, he wanted the game “Dunn” and over.

Overtime started with Vancouver winning the faceoff, only to surrender the puck to Seattle after Myers made a failed pass to Suter. Höglander and Sherwood took to the ice as a pair, which was an interesting occurrence given that the former hasn’t typically been given ice time in extra frames. Vincent Desharnais also ended up on the ice, helping set up a close chance for Jake DeBrusk and Teddy Blueger. However, neither team was able to capitalize on any overtime chances, sending the game to a shootout.

Bjorkstrand started the shootout off for Seattle, missing on the fourth semi-solo chance he had all game. Miller scored the first and only goal of the shootout, making a quick shot over Grubauer’s pad. Kaapo Kakko and Beniers’ chances were both stopped by Lankinen. While things looked grim after Dunn’s goal, the Canucks ultimately won 4–3.

Facts and Stats:

• Canucks let in the first goal of the game less than five minutes in for the seventh time this season

• J.T. Miller extends assist streak to five games

• Conor Garland scores over 10 goals in one season for the seventh time in his career

• Vancouver wins their first shootout of the season

Scoring Summary:

1st Period:

1:52 – SEA: Chandler Stephenson (4) from Andre Burakovsky and Vince Dunn

13:17 – VAN: Max Sasson (2) from Danton Heinen and Nils Höglander

2nd Period:

7:49 – VAN: Conor Garland (10) from Phil Di Giuseppe and Derek Forbort

3rd Period:

5:35 – VAN: Tyler Myers (2) from J.T. Miller and Jake DeBrusk

9:04 – SEA: Matty Beniers (7) from Shane Wright and Brandon Montour

19:07 – SEA: Vince Dunn (8) from Andre Burakovsky and Matty Beniers

Overtime:

No scoring

Shootout Winner:

VAN – J.T. Miller

Up Next:

The Canucks return home tomorrow night to take on the Nashville Predators before embarking on a five-game road trip. Nashville’s last trip to Vancouver saw the Predators take a 5–3 victory — a result that the Canucks hope they don’t repeat. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 pm PT.