3 reasons why Vancouver Canucks won 3-2 in OT over Florida Panthers 

The Vancouver Canucks defeated the Florida Panthers 3-2 in OT at Amerant Bank Arena on Thursday.

J.T. Miller scored at 2:09 of the OT period to give Vancouver the win. Teddy Blueger and captain Quinn Hughes added the other tallies for the Canucks. Jesper Boqvist, his first as a Panther, and Anton Lundell on the power play replied for the Cats.

Here's a closer look at three reasons why Vancouver skated away with a crucial win on Thursday against Florida.

3 reasons why Vancouver Canucks defeated Florida Panthers 3-2 in OT

#3. Canucks created traffic in front of Panthers’ net

The Vancouver Canucks did a great job of creating traffic and chaos in front of Panthers’ netminder Sergei Bobrovsky. The Canucks consistently had bodies screening Bobrovsky, making it difficult for him to make saves.

The approach worked as Quinn Hughes scored on a rocket from the point. The shot got through traffic with Bobrovsky unable to react in time to make the save.

Similarly, Blueger’s goal resulted from a scramble behind the Panthers’ net, leading to a controversial goal that stood up following a video review. However, the Canucks were unable to score more than two goals in regulation due to Bobrovsky’s brilliant goaltending.

#2. Kevin Lankinen held the fort

Kevin Lankinen got the call in goal for the Canucks. Overall, he held the fort, making 26 saves on the night. Lankinen’s reliable performance is crucial as the Vancouver Canucks’ goaltending situation continues to be a question mark with starter Thatcher Demko still on the shelf.

Lankinen is 1-0 with a 1.89 GAA and -932 SV% this season. Those numbers look good for the backup netminder, considering he was a last-minute addition ahead of training camp this season.

#1. The Canucks used speed to win in OT

The Canucks used their speed throughout the night to give the Panthers a hard time. But it was in OT when the Canucks’ speed truly came into focus.

The game-winning was possible thanks to the combination of Quinn Hughes and J.T. Miller using a set play to catch the Panthers’ players flat-footed. As Hughes entered the Florida zone, he curled back to catch a streaking Miller flying through the neutral zone.

As Miller cut up the right side, he beat the Panthers’ defender, leaving Sam Reinhart unable to catch up to Miller. Miller then placed a perfect shot on the top corner, beating Bobrovsky on the stick side. The nifty goal was the most exciting play in what was largely a quiet game for both teams.

The Canucks will hit the ice again on Saturday for their next tilt against the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center.