Sporting a franchise-record 12-game winning streak, the baby Canucks welcomed the league-leading Laval Rocket for a thrilling two-game doubleheader over the weekend.
Much like they have done in recent weeks, they swept the weekend, winning both games — a 3-2 shootout win on Saturday (April 5) and a 4-3 win on Sunday (April 6) — to extend their incredible streak to 13 consecutive games.
The victories catapulted the club to new milestones.
With 85 points, they claimed sole possession of second place in the Pacific Division, just three points behind the leader.
Meanwhile, a Calgary Wranglers loss assisted with the Canucks securing home-ice advantage for the first round of the Calder Cup playoffs, ensures a finish no worse than fourth place.
Finally, they notched a franchise-best 41st win of the season, with five games left (41-23-2-1) in the 2024-25 campaign.
Saturday’s game tested their resiliency. Down by two goals near the third period’s midpoint, the Canucks refused to buckle under pressure and rallied with two rapid-fire goals to tie the score.
Danila Klimovich ignited the comeback, following up on his own chance before jamming the puck through for his team-leading 23rd goal of the season and 50th of his career.
Soon after, Sammy Blais sliced through the middle, firing a backhand past Cayden Primeau for his 14th tally.
The game eventually hinged on a shootout after a scoreless final stretch and overtime.
After several missed attempts,
Jett Woo got the uncharacteristic tap on the shoulder for a chance to take the one-goal advantage. Skating up gingerly, the Calgary native slid the puck through the legs of Primeau.
With a save at the other end of the ice by Arturs Silovs, the Canucks enjoyed the 3-2 victory for their 12th straight win.
Less than 24 hours later, the Canucks pounced early on Sunday, scoring just 32 seconds in. Phil Di Giuseppe capitalized on net-front chaos, patiently tucking the puck past a sprawled-out Connor Hughes.
Later in the frame, Tristen Nielsen kicked off the passing play before cutting directly to the side of the net. Following the Cole McWard shot from the top of the circle, Nielsen pounced on the rebound to collect his 14th goal of the season, doubling the lead.
The Rockets managed to cut the lead in half, with William Trudeau capitalizing on the power play. But Ty Mueller quickly responded to regain that two-goal margin.
Thanks to some tremendous work from Arshdeep Bains, the puck found its way to Ty Mueller, who spun to provide the trickling backhand through the legs of the netminder.
Just 51 seconds into the third period, Mueller struck again, cutting to the side and lasering a shot into the top corner for his second multigoal game as a pro.
The Rocket fought back late, firing 13 shots late in the third to narrow the gap to one. But Nikita Tolopilo stood firm, making 35 saves on his 25th birthday to secure his sixth straight win and a 4-3 victory.
The Canucks now enjoy a brief break before hosting the Calgary Wranglers for their final two home games of the 2024-25 regular season.
The puck drops at 7:00 pm PT for game one at the Abbotsford Centre on Friday night.
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