Boeser game-winner, Lankinen’s 20 saves, and more: 3 reasons why Vancouver Canucks shut out Toronto Maple Leafs 3-0

The Vancouver Canucks notched up a huge win on Saturday night, shutting out the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-0 at the Scotiabank Arena on Saturday night. With the win, the Canucks snapped their four-game losing streak.

Kevin Lankinen got his fourth shutout of the season, while Brock Boeser, Quinn Hughes (own) and Kiefer Sherwood scored for the Vancouver Canucks. Dennis Hildeby made 15 saves for Toronto, starting instead of Joseph Woll.

So, let’s take a look at the three key reasons why the Vancouver Canucks shut out the Toronto Maple Leafs:

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Three reasons why Vancouver Canucks shut out Toronto Maple Leafs

#3 Perfect penalty kill

While the Vancouver Canucks failed to get a power play opportunity, they showed a strong effort on the penalty kill. The Canucks killed off all three Toronto power plays, particularly when the game was close.

The Leafs got two chances with the man advantage in the first period, potentially tying the game before the end of the period. Then, Toronto got one more power play opportunity midway through the second, right before Quinn Hughes had scored an own goal, giving the Canucks a 2-0 lead.

Eventually, the penalty kill marked a huge difference, allowing the Canucks to wrestle momentum away from the Leafs.

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#2 Lankinen was solid in goal

Kevin Lankinen has been the Vancouver Canucks’ biggest bright spot this season amid Thatcher Demko’s injuries and Arturs Silov’s inconsistency. Lankinen was money in the bank for the Canucks, stopping all 20 Toronto shots.

Lankinen seemed focused and poised throughout. While the Leafs didn’t have any significantly dangerous scoring chances, Lankinen held fort, showing why he’s the Canucks’ No. 1 goaltender this season.

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#1 Boeser’s game-winner

Brock Boeser opened the scoring 31 seconds into the game at Scotiabank Arena, which turned out to be the game-winner.

For Boeser, the goal was a significant boost, as he has struggled to find the back of the net this season. It was a significant momentum booster for the Canucks, allowing them to control the game from the early going.

The Canucks added two more goals, including a lucky bounce off Leafs’ defender Conor Timmins, leading to the 2-0 goal credited to Quinn Hughes. Kiefer Sherwood added a backbreaker in the third period, helping the Canucks cement the two points.

The Canucks end their road trip on Tuesday night against the Central Division-leading Winnipeg Jets at the Canada Life Arena.