Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes had high praise for star forward Elias Pettersson after the team secured a thrilling 4-3 shootout win over the Calgary Flames on Wednesday. As the Canucks continue their push for a playoff spot, Pettersson’s recent resurgence has come at a crucial time, proving his value to the team despite facing criticism earlier in the season.
Pettersson’s Resurgence Sparks Canucks’ Playoff Hopes
Elias Pettersson, who has been under scrutiny for his inconsistent performances this season, delivered when it mattered most against the Flames. The Swedish forward registered two points in the game, including a goal and an assist, marking his first multi-point outing since December 23. His impressive performance was instrumental in keeping the Canucks’ postseason aspirations alive.
Following the game, Quinn Hughes expressed his admiration for Pettersson’s resilience:
“I mean, really happy for him. Took a lot of crap this year, and, you know, we obviously need him at this point in time with 17 games left. And he showed up today, you know, brought his A-game, and we’re going to continue to need him to do that.”
Hughes also highlighted the competitive spirit that has driven Pettersson to success:
“He’s a competitive guy too, you know—you don’t get to the level that he’s gone to without having that inner jam and desire. So it’s been a hard little run for him, but he’s a—he’s a great player, and he’s going to be just fine. And you saw it tonight.”
Pettersson’s goal against Calgary marked his second consecutive game finding the back of the net, signaling a potential return to top form just when Vancouver needs him the most.
Breaking Down the Canucks’ 4-3 Shootout Victory
The Canucks and Flames entered the matchup tied at 71 points, each battling for the final wild card spot in the Western Conference. The stakes were high, and both teams delivered an intense contest at the Scotiabank Saddledome.
Vancouver struck first, with Pius Suter scoring at the 13:33 mark of the first period. However, Calgary responded before the break, with Nazem Kadri leveling the score at 1-1.
In the second period, Jake DeBrusk put the Canucks ahead on a power play, assisted by Quinn Hughes and Elias Pettersson. The lead was short-lived, as Jonathan Huberdeau netted a short-handed goal to bring the Flames even. Just a few minutes later, Huberdeau struck again, giving Calgary a 3-2 advantage heading into the final frame.
With the game on the line, Pettersson delivered in the clutch, scoring at the 13:15 mark of the third period to force overtime. Neither team could break the deadlock in the extra frame, leading to a dramatic shootout where the Canucks emerged victorious.
Pettersson’s Impact and Season Performance
Pettersson, who signed an eight-year, $92.8 million contract with the Canucks, has faced ups and downs this season. After his strong performance against Calgary, he now has 39 points (14 goals, 25 assists) in 59 games. The game also marked the return of Quinn Hughes, who had missed four games due to a lower-body injury.
With just 17 games remaining in the regular season, Vancouver will continue to lean on Pettersson’s offensive prowess as they battle for a playoff berth. His recent form suggests he is ready to embrace the challenge, and with the support of teammates like Hughes, the Canucks remain hopeful for a strong finish to the season.
What’s Next for the Canucks?
Vancouver will look to build on their momentum as they prepare for upcoming matchups against key playoff contenders. The battle for the Western Conference wild card spot remains tight, making every game a must-win scenario.
With Pettersson regaining confidence and Hughes back in the lineup, the Canucks have the pieces to make a serious push toward the postseason. If their star players continue to perform at a high level, Vancouver fans could witness a thrilling end to the regular season, with hopes of playoff hockey on the horizon.
