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Elias Pettersson scores twice (three times, really) as Team Pacific falls to Team Central
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Photo credit: © Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
David Quadrelli
Feb 4, 2023, 16:34 ESTUpdated: Feb 4, 2023, 18:13 EST
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Despite Elias Pettersson’s best efforts, Team Pacific fell to Team Central by a final score of 6-4 in the semi-final of the 3-on-3 All-Star Tournament on Saturday morning. Playing as part of a trio with Bo Horvat and Kevin Fiala, Pettersson scored two goals en route to his team losing, but as is tradition, got some attention for his work at the other end of the ice as well.
Pettersson carried on the tradition set by Patrice Bergeron of backchecking hard during the All-Star game, as the winner of last night’s hardest shot competition disrupted more than one play with his defensive play that Canucks fans know and love. One of Pettersson’s backchecking efforts actually led to a Bo Horvat breakaway:
With the game tied at one apiece, Bo Horvat set Pettersson up all alone in front of Central Division goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. Pettersson faked going between the legs to beat Hellebuyck by roofing the puck.
Hating fun, Central bench boss Pete DeBoer challenged that the play was offside, and the goal was promptly called back. After the Central scored following the disallowed goal, Pettersson tied the game up once again at two.
Here is Pettersson’s first goal (that counted):
The Central pulled ahead to a 5-2 lead, and Pettersson attempted to jumpstart the Pacific’s comeback attempt.
Erik Karlsson brought the Pacific within one with just over two minutes to go, but the Central answered right back, with Clayton Keller pushing his team’s lead to 6-4 late.
The 6-4 lead would stand, as the Central Division moved on to the final to play the winner of the game between the Metropolitan Division and the Atlantic Division.
As a result, Horvat and Pettersson’s weekend of playing together one last time comes to a close, as they get set to go their separate ways following Horvat’s trade to Long Island on Monday. They won’t have to wait long before facing off against one another though, as the Islanders and Canucks will face off in New York on Thursday, February 9th.
Bo Horvat reflected post game on getting the opportunity to play with Pettersson one last time.
“It was little sad to know that was gonna be the last time we’re gonna skate together,” said Horvat. “I’m glad we got to connect on a goal today and get one last shot. I’m going to miss him a lot.”

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