Canucks Make Stunning Comeback, Overwhelm Lightning in Final Period

Post by : Mara Rahim

In a remarkable display of resilience, the Vancouver Canucks overcame a 2-1 deficit to claim a 6-2 victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday. After struggling in the first part of the game, the Canucks erupted in the third period with six unanswered goals, led by three quick strikes in just 100 seconds that shifted the game's momentum.

Playing in Tampa—where they hadn't won since October 2018—the Canucks faced significant pressure from the Lightning, who dominated early on with superior puck control and numerous scoring opportunities. Tampa Bay effectively limited Vancouver, culminating in a 13-1 shot advantage by the end of the first period.

The Lightning opened the scoring late in the first, with Nikita Kucherov netting a powerful one-timer from Darren Raddysh, marking his 365th career goal—tying him with Martin St. Louis in franchise history. Tampa Bay seemed to command the game as they led 1-0 at the start of the second period.

Continuing their relentless pressure, Tampa Bay doubled their lead when Jake Guentzel scored at 4:35 of the second period, bringing his total to eight goals of the season alongside Kucherov. The Canucks appeared to be losing their grip on the game until a power-play goal from Jake DeBrusk at 9:26 gave them hope, cutting the lead to 2-1.

The tables turned dramatically in the third period as Vancouver finally unleashed their potential. Kiefer Sherwood initiated the comeback with a power-play goal at 4:11, leveling the score. Just 43 seconds later, Linus Karlsson put the Canucks ahead for the first time. The fervor continued with Drew O’Connor's goal shortly after, making it 4-2 within a span of just 1 minute and 40 seconds.

Vancouver maintained their offensive onslaught, bolstered by their captain Quinn Hughes, who returned from injury to tally four assists—his highest of the career. He assisted Mackenzie MacEachern, who scored his first goal this season, giving the Canucks further advantage. Jake DeBrusk sealed the victory with an empty-netter, marking his seventh of the season. Goalkeeper Kevin Lankinen was instrumental, saving 28 shots to stifle the Lightning's early threat.

Despite a late effort from Tampa Bay, another goal was disallowed due to a high-stick challenge from Vancouver, preserving the score at 4-2. The Canucks finished strong, concluding the match at 6-2 and ending their winless streak with a display of tenacity and teamwork.

For the Lightning, it was a bitterly disappointing defeat, particularly after a strong start. Despite commendable performances from Kucherov and Guentzel, they faltered in the face of Vancouver's extraordinary third period.

This encounter converted into a memorable comeback for the Canucks, highlighting how swiftly fortunes can change in hockey.