3 major Vancouver Canucks takeaways: Lankinen's away streak broken, defense maintains discipline, and more from 3-2 OT loss to Minnestoa Wild

The Vancouver Canucks entered Xcel Energy Center on Tuesday in Saint Paul looking to claim their fifth win in six games, taking on an upstart Minnesota Wild team that has surprised many fans and pundits with their standing in the Central Division. And while the Canucks picked up a point, they were unable to secure the second thanks to Minnesota's 3-2 overtime victory.

Canucks captain and reigning Norris Trophy-winning defenseman Quinn Hughes opened the scoring while the Canucks enjoyed the man advantage, tallying his sixth goal of the season.

The Wild responded with a goal from Frederick Gaudreau just before the midway mark of the second period, while Jake DeBrusk continued his hot streak with his 11th goal with 48 seconds remaining in the frame.

Minnesota managed to knot the score shortly into the third period thanks to Jake Middleton's fifth goal, eventually sending both teams to sudden-death, 3x3 overtime.

In the end, Russian star forward Kirill Kaprizov sent the local fans home happy with the winning goal, his 16th of the year.

Kevin Lankinen made 26 saves in a losing effort, while Filip Gustavsson made 30 saves in the win.

3 Major Takeaways from Vancouver Canucks' 3-2 OT loss to Minnesota Wild

#3. Vancouver's defense gave them an opportunity to win

Despite the loss, there are several positives to look at for the Canucks, starting with their defensive play.

They blocked 16 Wild shots and maintained discipline, with only one penalty called the entire game. Head coach Rick Tocchet kept a positive attitude to his team's performance, especially how their road trip finished.

“Great game," Tocchet said. "Guys played really hard tonight. Helluva road trip.”

#2. Kevin Lankinen's road streak was finally broken

Goaltender Kevin Lankinen made NHL history in Sunday's win, becoming the first goaltender to ever begin a season with a perfect 10-0 road record.

Unfortunately, there's now a stain on that record in the form of an overtime loss. Still, Lankinen's performance since signing a one-year contract with the team has been better than anyone could have expected.

#1. Jake DeBrusk continues to be red-hot

One of Vancouver's prized offseason acquisitions, DeBrusk has elevated his game and is one of the hottest goal scorers in the NHL at the moment.

Fresh off a hat-trick performance on Sunday afternoon against the Detroit Red Wings, DeBrusk tallied again against the Wild, giving him six goals in his last five games.

The Canucks will return home to take on the Columbus Blue Jackets at Rogers Arena on Friday; game time is set for 10:00 PM EST.