DeBrusk’s Shootout Winner Lifts Canucks Past Predators 4-3

In a thrilling comeback, the Vancouver Canucks overcame a two-goal deficit in the third period to edge the Nashville Predators 4-3, thanks to a decisive shootout goal from Jake DeBrusk on Thursday night.

Trailing 3-1 after two periods, the Canucks found their rhythm as Marco Rossi scored with just over four minutes left in regulation, narrowing the gap to 3-2. Filip Hronek then completed the comeback, firing in the equalizer with only 1:01 remaining on the clock, sending the game into overtime.

Brock Boeser also contributed to the scoring for Vancouver, marking his 16th goal of the season and his fourth in the last five games. Meanwhile, the Predators’ Tyson Jost shone with two goals, and rookie Matthew Wood added another to the tally.

The game kicked off with the Canucks striking first at 8:40 in the opening period. A double-tip off Hronek’s point shot saw the puck find the back of the net after being redirected by both Marco Rossi and Boeser. However, Nashville responded quickly, ending the first period tied 1-1 when Justin Barron capitalized on a turnover by Canucks goalie Nikita Tolopilo and Jost pounced on the rebound.

In the second period, Jost put Nashville ahead, collecting a loose puck after Roman Josi’s shot went wide and slotting it past Tolopilo. Wood then extended the lead, as his centering pass deflected off Canucks forward Liam Ohgren’s skate and into the net.

With time winding down, Rossi found a rebound and scored to pull the Canucks closer. As the clock ticked down and Tolopilo on the bench for an extra attacker, Hronek’s shot sent the game into a shootout.

In the shootout, DeBrusk proved to be the hero, scoring the only goal while Tolopilo successfully denied all three Nashville shooters. Juuse Saros made 24 saves for the Predators, while Tolopilo stopped 16 shots for the Canucks.

With just 17 games remaining in the season, the Predators are in a tight race for a wild-card spot alongside three other teams in the Western Conference. Saros has now reached 50 starts this season, becoming the second NHL goalie to do so. Wood has also been on fire, netting four goals in his last four games.

Looking ahead, the Predators will face the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday, while the Canucks will host the Seattle Kraken on Saturday.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.