Pettersson Scores Twice in 44 Seconds as Canucks Edge Sharks

Elias Pettersson delivered a show-stopping performance with two goals in just 44 seconds late in the second period, propelling the Vancouver Canucks to a thrilling 4-3 victory over the San Jose Sharks at Rogers Arena on Monday night. However, the celebration was tempered as Pettersson left the game early in the third period due to an undisclosed injury.

Pettersson’s Impact and Abrupt Exit

Pettersson exited the game at the 3:14 mark of the third period after playing just one shift. Head coach Rick Tocchet acknowledged the situation, stating, “He’s hurt. I think it happened in the second period. He tried to play a shift, but we’ve got the break now. I don’t think it’s too bad.”

Before his departure, Pettersson snapped a six-game goal drought, a feat Tocchet hopes will spark renewed confidence. “Hopefully, this motivates him,” Tocchet said. “I loved seeing him celebrate. The fans love it too.”

Canucks Bounce Back

With this victory, the Canucks (17-10-7) halted a three-game slide (0-1-2). Goaltender Thatcher Demko played a key role, making 26 saves, while Quinn Hughes contributed two assists. Hughes, reflecting on the team’s resilience, remarked, “The break is coming at the right time. We’ll regroup and come back stronger.”

Sharks’ Struggles Continue

For the Sharks (11-20-6), it was another tough night, marking their fifth consecutive loss (0-4-1) and eighth in the last nine games (1-7-1). Despite a solid 20-save effort from goaltender Yaroslav Askarov, head coach Ryan Warsofsky lamented the team’s inability to capitalize. “A few bad minutes cost us,” he said. “We have to build mental strength and simplify our game.”

Celebrini’s Milestone and Mixed Emotions

Macklin Celebrini, the Sharks’ 18-year-old forward and the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft recorded an assist in his first NHL game in his hometown. Despite this personal milestone, Celebrini was critical of his own mistake that led to Pettersson’s first goal. “It started with me. I made a bad play, and they capitalized. That can’t happen,” he admitted.

Celebrini’s family, including his father, Dr. Rick Celebrini, a former Canucks staff member, and his brother, Aiden, were in attendance. “Playing in front of them here in my hometown is something I’ll never forget,” he said.

Game Highlights

The Sharks struck first, with William Eklund scoring on a 5-on-3 power play at 11:36 of the first period. However, Eklund left the game after a hard hit from the Canucks’ Tyler Myers, and his status remains uncertain.

The Canucks responded at 14:10 when Brock Boeser tied the game, redirecting a pass from Hughes into the net. Later, Kiefer Sherwood gave Vancouver the lead at 16:42 with a wrist shot past Askarov.

Pettersson then took over, scoring twice within 44 seconds. His first goal came off a rebound from Jake DeBrusk, while his second—a power-play tally—extended the Canucks’ lead to 4-1.

The Sharks fought back in the third period. Cody Ceci scored at 4:21, and Luke Kunin added another with six seconds left, but it was too little, too late. “We need to learn how to close games,” Celebrini said.

With the Canucks gaining much-needed momentum and the Sharks continuing to struggle, both teams face pivotal moments as the season progresses. Tocchet’s squad hopes to leverage the upcoming break to recharge, while Warsofsky’s Sharks aim to regroup and address their defensive lapses.

For Pettersson and the Canucks, his health remains a key storyline. “He’s too talented not to shine,” Hughes said of his teammate. “Tonight was a glimpse of what he can do. We’re all rooting for him to come back stronger.”