Welcome back to Instant Reaction, the series here at <a class="text-accent" href="https://canucksarmy.com/schedule" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CanucksArmy</a> where we give you our instant reaction to tonight’s <a class="text-accent" href="https://canucksarmy.com/combinations" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Vancouver Canucks</a> game and ask our readers to do the same in the comments section below!
<div class="bam-inline-promotion-block" data-max-length="2" data-placement-id="2111" data-context="web-content-promocard" data-property-id="329"></div>
Heading into tonight, the Canucks and Calgary Flames made up the NHL&#8217;s lowest and second-<a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/whats-behind-vancouver-canucks-scoring-woes-canucks-conversation">lowest goal totals since January 1st</a>.
This game was a series of broken plays from both teams early on.
Quinn Hughes (shocker) and Nils Höglander had the Canucks&#8217; best chances early on, but neither the Canucks or Flames could break through in the early goings.
Elias Pettersson (the defenceman) threw a huge hit on Nazem Kadri that drew the ire of Connor Zary. Zary delivered a cheap shot to the back of Pettersson&#8217;s head, and chaos ensued:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
D-Petey lays out Nazem Kadri with a huge hit! 
🎥: Sportsnet | NHL<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Flames?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Flames</a> <a href="https://t.co/3pXYwG5o1q">pic.twitter.com/3pXYwG5o1q</a>
&mdash; CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1899997614843847086?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Pettersson didn&#8217;t come out for the <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/vancouver-canucks-d-elias-pettersson-exits-calgary-flames-after-headshot-connor-zary">second period and didn&#8217;t return</a>. With Zary picking up the only penalty on the play, the Canucks got the game&#8217;s first power play chance.
The Canucks&#8217; power play looked dreadful, but shortly after it ended, Pius Suter got the party started.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
🚨CANUCKS GOAL🚨
Pius Suter opens the scoring in Calgary! That&#39;s his 17th goal of the season! 
🎥: Sportsnet | NHL<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Flames?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Flames</a> <a href="https://t.co/pQadvDqAWQ">pic.twitter.com/pQadvDqAWQ</a>
&mdash; CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1899998481508647411?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
1-0 Canucks.
That&#8217;s a nice play by Suter to follow up on his shot like that, and yes, a tad bit lucky. But this team needs some luck and bounces to go their way right now.
The Flames tied things up before the end of the opening period, as Rasmus Andersson sprung Nazem Kadri in on a breakaway:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Nazem Kadri ties the game for Calgary. <a href="https://t.co/qYQgkzOjrw">pic.twitter.com/qYQgkzOjrw</a>
&mdash; CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1900001024594895121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
1-1. 
Pettersson sliding over to take the winger at the blueline is a good example of the type of growing pains expected from a young defenceman. And that is just fine.
It continued to be a low-event tight-checking affair in the second period, and it sure looked like this one was going to be decided by special teams. Which is why it was great that the Canucks got the game&#8217;s next power play.
As we know, Quinn Hughes isn&#8217;t playing at 100%. His reaction to getting cross-checked by Ryan Lomberg drew both a call and the ire of the Flames.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Ryan Lomberg goes after Quinn Hughes. 
🎥: Sportsnet | NHL<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Flames?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Flames</a> <a href="https://t.co/xrAIHtl4UW">pic.twitter.com/xrAIHtl4UW</a>
&mdash; CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1900010176541048882?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
As you&#8217;d expect, Hughes was instrumental in the Canucks scoring on the ensuing power play:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
🚨CANUCKS GOAL🚨
Jake DeBrusk tips home a Quinn Hughes shot! It&#39;s 2-1 Vancouver 
🎥: Sportsnet | NHL<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Flames?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Flames</a> <a href="https://t.co/EgrOkAssL9">pic.twitter.com/EgrOkAssL9</a>
&mdash; CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1900010594927075720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
2-1 Canucks. 
Special teams continued to play a role in this one, as the Canucks got another power play chance. Only this time, they weren&#8217;t the ones who scored.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
The Canucks give up a short handed 2 on 0 and the Flames tie it. <a href="https://t.co/NNAo9NNdeD">pic.twitter.com/NNAo9NNdeD</a>
&mdash; CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1900013713366933756?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
2-2. 
Jonathan Huberdeau scored another goal shortly after. This one, a wrister that got stuck in the back of the net and was tough to realize even went in on first glance.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Huberdeau picks up his second goal of the game. 3-2 Calgary <a href="https://t.co/9t1gitJFqG">pic.twitter.com/9t1gitJFqG</a>
&mdash; CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1900015378300100812?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
3-2 Flames. 
The Canucks entered the third period down by a goal, and if they were going to come back, it would be the first time this season they pulled off a comeback in the third.
This game had a lot of passion and intensity, and with the importance of it for both teams, we were certainly headed for an intense finish.
Nils Höglander was called for tripping a couple minutes into the third, giving the Flames a prime opportunity to extend their lead to two. Kevin Lankinen made a key save on Nazem Kadri, and the Canucks&#8217; PK managed to kill this one off.
The Canucks got the game&#8217;s next power play as Connor Zary got his stick up on Marcus Pettersson.
Both Hughes and Pettersson set up a couple of solid chances, but the Flames did a great job of blocking shots and getting into passing lanes.
The Canucks kept pressing, and eventually broke through, as Victor Mancini let go of a point shot that led to a rebound that Elias Pettersson was ready to bury.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
🚨CANUCKS GOAL🚨
Elias Pettersson ties the game! That&#39;s 3 goals in his last 4 games! 
🎥: Sportsnet | NHL<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Flames?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Flames</a> <a href="https://t.co/HcRTskSJXp">pic.twitter.com/HcRTskSJXp</a>
&mdash; CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1900028014106476678?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
3-3.
The Flames got away with a couple of fairly clear penalties down the final stretch, as the refs clearly got the memo that this was basically a playoff game.
This one needed overtime.
DeBrusk and Elias Pettersson broke in on a 2-on-1, but Dustin Wolf made his biggest save of the game to rob Pettersson with the glove. Hughes moved in and had a great chance of his own and Wolf got a blocker on that one, too. This kid is making a serious case for the Calder. Check out those saves in The Stanchies later tonight.
Pettersson and Hronek had another great 2-on-1 chance, but Hronek&#8217;s shot attempt went wide of the goal. Hughes played virtually the entire overtime sequence. Brock Boeser came as close as anyone to finishing this one, as he hit the post behind Wolf. Garland then moved in tight on Wolf, but was robbed by the Calgary netminder&#8217;s right pad.
This one needed a shootout.
Frost: STOPPED
Pettersson: SCORES
That was a pretty goal from Pettersson. A confident goal. Slowly but surely&#8230;
Andersson: STOPPED
DeBrusk: Stopped.
Huberdeau: Scores. This one continues.
Suter: Stopped.
Sharangovich: STOPPED!
Garland: SCORES!
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
CONOR GARLAND WINS THE GAME IN A SHOOTOUT FOR VANCOUVER! 
🎥: Sportsnet | NHL<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Flames?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Flames</a> <a href="https://t.co/0VZdZKPgnf">pic.twitter.com/0VZdZKPgnf</a>
&mdash; CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1900034831989563720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
CANUCKS WIN!
That turned out to be a very entertaining game.
Some more takeaways from tonight:
-Quinn Hughes is obviously not back to 100% yet. It&#8217;s pretty remarkable how in spite of that, he was still able to make a positive impact on the game every time he was on the ice. 
-Getting tired of watching opposing teams take liberties on Hughes. 
-Nils Aman in over Jonathan Lekkerimäki was certainly a choice. I know Aman is the safe option, but Lekkerimäki&#8217;s willingness to shoot should have been reason enough to use him in a game as important as this one. 
-Three goals in his last four games for Elias Pettersson&#8230; 
-Liked Victor Mancini&#8217;s game a lot tonight.
What&#8217;s your instant reaction to tonight&#8217;s game? Let us know in the comments section below! And be sure to tune into Rink Wide Vancouver moments after the final horn!
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="RINK WIDE POST-GAME: Vancouver Canucks at Calgary Flames | Game 65 - Mar. 12, 2025" width="1333" height="1000" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fiFy8Yz2Fms?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
Sponsored by bet365
<div class="bam-inline-promotion" data-property-id="329" data-promotion-id="19111" data-context="web-content-promocard"></div>
&nbsp;

Welcome back to Instant Reaction, the series here at <a class="text-accent" href="https://canucksarmy.com/schedule" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CanucksArmy</a> where we give you our instant reaction to tonight’s <a class="text-accent" href="https://canucksarmy.com/combinations" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Vancouver Canucks</a> game and ask our readers to do the same in the comments section below!
<div class="bam-inline-promotion-block" data-max-length="2" data-placement-id="2111" data-context="web-content-promocard" data-property-id="329"></div>
Heading into tonight, the Canucks and Calgary Flames made up the NHL's lowest and second-<a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/whats-behind-vancouver-canucks-scoring-woes-canucks-conversation">lowest goal totals since January 1st</a>.

This game was a series of broken plays from both teams early on.

Quinn Hughes (shocker) and Nils Höglander had the Canucks' best chances early on, but neither the Canucks or Flames could break through in the early goings.

Elias Pettersson (the defenceman) threw a huge hit on Nazem Kadri that drew the ire of Connor Zary. Zary delivered a cheap shot to the back of Pettersson's head, and chaos ensued:

https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1899997614843847086

Pettersson didn't come out for the <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/vancouver-canucks-d-elias-pettersson-exits-calgary-flames-after-headshot-connor-zary">second period and didn't return</a>. With Zary picking up the only penalty on the play, the Canucks got the game's first power play chance.

The Canucks' power play looked dreadful, but shortly after it ended, Pius Suter got the party started.

https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1899998481508647411

1-0 Canucks.

That's a nice play by Suter to follow up on his shot like that, and yes, a tad bit lucky. But this team needs some luck and bounces to go their way right now.

The Flames tied things up before the end of the opening period, as Rasmus Andersson sprung Nazem Kadri in on a breakaway:

https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1900001024594895121

1-1. 

Pettersson sliding over to take the winger at the blueline is a good example of the type of growing pains expected from a young defenceman. And that is just fine.

It continued to be a low-event tight-checking affair in the second period, and it sure looked like this one was going to be decided by special teams. Which is why it was great that the Canucks got the game's next power play.

As we know, Quinn Hughes isn't playing at 100%. His reaction to getting cross-checked by Ryan Lomberg drew both a call and the ire of the Flames.

https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1900010176541048882

As you'd expect, Hughes was instrumental in the Canucks scoring on the ensuing power play:

https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1900010594927075720

2-1 Canucks. 

Special teams continued to play a role in this one, as the Canucks got another power play chance. Only this time, they weren't the ones who scored.

https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1900013713366933756

2-2. 

Jonathan Huberdeau scored another goal shortly after. This one, a wrister that got stuck in the back of the net and was tough to realize even went in on first glance.

https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1900015378300100812

3-2 Flames. 

The Canucks entered the third period down by a goal, and if they were going to come back, it would be the first time this season they pulled off a comeback in the third.

This game had a lot of passion and intensity, and with the importance of it for both teams, we were certainly headed for an intense finish.

Nils Höglander was called for tripping a couple minutes into the third, giving the Flames a prime opportunity to extend their lead to two. Kevin Lankinen made a key save on Nazem Kadri, and the Canucks' PK managed to kill this one off.

The Canucks got the game's next power play as Connor Zary got his stick up on Marcus Pettersson.

Both Hughes and Pettersson set up a couple of solid chances, but the Flames did a great job of blocking shots and getting into passing lanes.

The Canucks kept pressing, and eventually broke through, as Victor Mancini let go of a point shot that led to a rebound that Elias Pettersson was ready to bury.

https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1900028014106476678

3-3.

The Flames got away with a couple of fairly clear penalties down the final stretch, as the refs clearly got the memo that this was basically a playoff game.

This one needed overtime.

DeBrusk and Elias Pettersson broke in on a 2-on-1, but Dustin Wolf made his biggest save of the game to rob Pettersson with the glove. Hughes moved in and had a great chance of his own and Wolf got a blocker on that one, too. This kid is making a serious case for the Calder. Check out those saves in The Stanchies later tonight.

Pettersson and Hronek had another great 2-on-1 chance, but Hronek's shot attempt went wide of the goal. Hughes played virtually the entire overtime sequence. Brock Boeser came as close as anyone to finishing this one, as he hit the post behind Wolf. Garland then moved in tight on Wolf, but was robbed by the Calgary netminder's right pad.

This one needed a shootout.

Frost: STOPPED

Pettersson: SCORES

That was a pretty goal from Pettersson. A confident goal. Slowly but surely...

Andersson: STOPPED

DeBrusk: Stopped.

Huberdeau: Scores. This one continues.

Suter: Stopped.

Sharangovich: STOPPED!

Garland: SCORES!

https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1900034831989563720

CANUCKS WIN!

That turned out to be a very entertaining game.

Some more takeaways from tonight:

-Quinn Hughes is obviously not back to 100% yet. It's pretty remarkable how in spite of that, he was still able to make a positive impact on the game every time he was on the ice.
-Getting tired of watching opposing teams take liberties on Hughes.
-Nils Aman in over Jonathan Lekkerimäki was certainly a choice. I know Aman is the safe option, but Lekkerimäki's willingness to shoot should have been reason enough to use him in a game as important as this one.
-Three goals in his last four games for Elias Pettersson...
-Liked Victor Mancini's game a lot tonight.

What's your instant reaction to tonight's game? Let us know in the comments section below! And be sure to tune into Rink Wide Vancouver moments after the final horn!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiFy8Yz2Fms

Sponsored by bet365
<div class="bam-inline-promotion" data-property-id="329" data-promotion-id="19111" data-context="web-content-promocard"></div>
&nbsp;

Instant Reaction: Hughes and Pettersson lead Canucks to shootout win vs. Flames

Recent articles from David Quadrelli

Breaking News