The Vancouver Canucks are currently 2-0 on their road trip in California after defeating the Anaheim Ducks by committee.
Quinn Hughes achieved 300 career assists, Vancouver had five different goal scorers in the game, and Kevin Lankinen improved his Canuck record to 6-0-2 by stopping 21 of 22 shots he faced.
After Bobby Orr (346 games), the captain of the Canucks is the third-fastest player in NHL history to earn 300 assists (376 games).
Hughes is a delight to teach, according to head coach Rick Tocchet, who was not taken aback by his historic accomplishment.
According to Tocchet, “he’s clearly in control of a lot of the play, [he’s a] special player, and he gets a lot of shots off, which is difficult to do, especially when teams are focusing on you.”
Following the game, Hughes took stock of his achievement and acknowledged all of his teammates who helped him along the way. Hughes was first given credit for the Canucks’ third goal, but it was later found that Elias Pettersson really placed the puck in the net, and Hughes was given credit for the assist.
“That wouldn’t go in without him in front, so I’m glad Petey got that [goal]; it was a great screen,” Hughes remarked. “I simply feel really lucky. I consider myself fortunate to have had such wonderful colleagues; the past six years have been enjoyable, and I want to have many more.
Tocchet believed that minimizing Anaheim’s odd-man rushes and controlling the puck were the keys to the game.
All four lines made contributions, and I felt the game was well-run. We learned a little bit from the San Jose game, and we had a couple excellent video sessions yesterday and a nice practice, and I think that’s the key for this club to win this game, [and we’re] 2-0 on the road trip,” Tocchet stated.
Despite Thatcher Demko’s absence to begin the season, Hughes has been pleased with the Canuck goalies.
“We have a great tandem right now, and it’s been great for Kevin to come in here and step up and be a rock for us,” he added. “Arty has also been great.”
Objectives
The Ducks received an early penalty play in the first period, and defenseman Olen Zellweger scored from the point to put Anaheim up.
Boeser had a tip-in as Vancouver launched their own power play.
Less than a minute later, Keifer Sherwood scored from the high slot off the rush after Erik Brännström had passed the puck to him.
The Canucks led 2-1 at the start of the first half.
To increase Vancouver’s advantage in the second, Elias Pettersson lighted the lamp and deflected Hughes’ attempt from the point.
Jake DeBrusk scored his second goal in as many games in the last stanza when he tipped in Boeser’s point attempt.
With Danton Heinen scoring near the goal front and Sherwood finding his linemate after chasing the puck and grabbing his own rebound, the Canucks’ third line was once again dominating.
off a point-shoot by Quinn Hughes to even the score for the Canucks.
