Vrbata scores twice to lead the Canucks past the Wild
Posted November 25, 2015 8:52 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
ST. PAUL, MN (NEWS 1130) – The Vancouver Canucks kicked off a four-game road trip with a victory over the NHL’s best team on home ice, as they edged the Minnesota Wild 3-2. It was only the second home loss of the season for the Wild.
The Wild got off to a hot start and turned it into a lead at the 12:39 mark. Thomas Vanek was left open in the slot and his shot hit a sliding Alex Edler before beating Ryan Miller up high for a powerplay marker.
Vancouver turned the momentum with an equalizer in the final minute of the first period. Vrbata was set-up by Jared McCann and his quick shot beat Devan Dubnyk to make it 1-1 with 28 seconds to go until the intermission.
The Canucks took their first lead of the night with a powerplay marker a little bit past the midway mark of the second period. Henrik Sedin tried to send a cross-ice pass for Dan Hamhuis that was broken up by Minnesota’s Mikael Granlund, but Vrbata was there to fire home the loose puck for his second goal of the night and sixth of the season.
Vancouver doubled its lead 5:31 into the third period, as Daniel Sedin sprung Jannik Hansen with a long pass and he beat Dubnyk with a shot over his shoulder. The assist was Daniel’s second of the night, as he also drew a helper on Vrbata’s second goal.
With Dubnyk off for the extra attacker, the Wild cut the deficit in half. Ryan Suter’s long shot was tipped by Charlie Coyle to make it 3-2 with just 1:20 to play. Minnesota pulled Dubnyk again and drew a penalty with 33 seconds left, but wasn’t able to beat Miller with one of its final few chances. Miller made 31 saves to earn the win.
The Canucks were playing the first game of a four-game road trip. They continue the trip on Friday against the Dallas Stars.
