UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown, the Vancouver Canucks defeated the Boston Bruins 5-4 on Saturday night, securing their fourth consecutive victory. Liam Ohgren emerged as the hero, scoring the decisive goal in a dramatic seven-round shootout.
Ohgren’s game-winning backhander came after he skillfully maneuvered around Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman. Earlier, he had already tipped in a crucial tiebreaking goal at 7:34 of the third period, putting Vancouver ahead before a late-game scramble tied the score.
In a nail-biting finish, Vancouver’s Andrew Peeke saw his shot deflect off Swayman’s arm and into the net, leveling the game at 4-all with just 3:44 left in regulation. Linus Karlsson shone brightly with two goals, while Max Sasson also contributed to the scoreboard for the Canucks.
Boston’s Morgan Geekie, the NHL’s second-leading goal scorer, netted his 25th goal, but the Bruins faced disappointment as they have now lost three of their last four games. Pavel Zacha and Tanner Jeannot also scored for Boston, but their efforts fell short in the shootout.
Canucks goalie Kevin Lankinen, making his first appearance since December 8, was pivotal with 38 saves in regulation, successfully breaking a personal six-game losing streak. The Canucks initially took a 2-1 lead in the second period when Karlsson redirected a pass from Evander Kane into the net just 4:22 in.
Boston struck back quickly, with Zacha capitalizing on a defensive error to tie the game 2-2. Jeannot then scored off a slick pass from Mark Kastelic, putting Boston ahead 3-2 before Karlsson leveled the score again in the third with a rising shot under the crossbar.
The Canucks are now set to close their five-game trip against the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday night, while the Bruins will host the Ottawa Senators on Sunday. Both teams are looking to regain momentum in the tightly contested NHL standings.
What’s Next: Fans can expect high stakes as the Canucks aim for their fifth consecutive win and the Bruins seek to bounce back at home.