Liam Öhgren scores in a shootout as Vancouver Canucks edge Seattle Kraken 3-2, with Kevin Lankinen dazzling in net.
Öhgren’s Shootout Magic Seals Canucks Victory
Vancouver Canucks forward Liam Öhgren became the hero Monday night, scoring the game-winning goal in a thrilling shootout to lift the Canucks past the Seattle Kraken 3-2 at Climate Pledge Arena.
It was a night of standout performances, clutch plays, and high drama, with Canucks goalie Kevin Lankinen delivering a sensational showing. He stopped 37 of 39 shots in regulation and denied all three Kraken shooters in the shootout, extending his perfect record to 17-for-17 in shootout stops this season.
Early Fireworks: McCann Sparks Kraken
Seattle drew first blood when former Canuck Jared McCann ripped a one-timer from the right point just 8:50 into the opening period, thanks to a precise feed from Vince Dunn on the power play. Despite battling injuries this season, McCann has already tallied six goals in just 13 games.
The period continued with intensity. McCann squared off with Vancouver’s Conor Garland in a spirited fight, only for Linus Karlsson to respond three seconds later, tying the game at 1-1 on a slick pass from Öhgren.
Seattle regained the lead late in the frame when Ryan Winterton pounced on a Vancouver defensive collision, slotting home a pass from Jacob Melanson, who notched his first NHL point. After 20 minutes, Seattle slightly outshot Vancouver 14-12.
Pettersson Levels, Lankinen Shines
The second period saw Canucks center Elias Pettersson fire Vancouver back into contention. At 5:23, he converted a pass from Evander Kane into a clinical wrist shot, making it 2-2. Pettersson now has nine goals this season.
By the end of two periods, the Canucks held a slim 21-20 shots edge. However, Lankinen faced a barrage in the third as the Kraken dominated play, outshooting Vancouver 16-3. Remarkably, he kept his team in it, forcing overtime.
Overtime Tension and Shootout Drama
Even a 4-on-3 advantage in overtime couldn’t help Seattle beat Lankinen. Freddy Gaudreau, Eeli Tolvanen, and Jordan Eberle all fell short in the shootout, leaving the stage set for Öhgren’s heroics. With a calm, precise finish, he sealed the win and secured two critical points for Vancouver.
Quick Hits & Notes
- Vancouver’s Jake DeBrusk was a healthy scratch for the first time as a Canuck.
- Lankinen has now stopped 48 of 54 shootout attempts in his career.
- Aatu Räty won 12 of 17 faceoffs for Vancouver.
- Power-play struggles continued: Kraken went 1-for-6, Canucks 0-for-2.
The Canucks will return to action Tuesday at 7 p.m., hosting the Philadelphia Flyers at Rogers Arena.
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