DeBrusk hat trick, Lankinen's 27 saves, and more: 3 reasons why Vancouver Canucks won 5-4 in OT over Detroit Red Wings

The Vancouver Canucks pulled out a thrilling come-from-behind win against the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday afternoon. Jake DeBrusk scored his third goal of the game at 4:00 in overtime to give the Canucks a 5-4 win.

With the win, the Canucks leapfrog the Edmonton Oilers for third place in the Pacific Division, improving to 13-7-3 on the year and 6-4 in their last 10 games.

So, here’s a look at the three reasons why the Canucks won against the Red Wings on Sunday afternoon.

3 reasons why Vancouver Canucks beat Detroit Red Wings

#3 Canucks' resilience

The Vancouver Canucks had a 3-2 lead entering the third period following a goal from Pius Suter late in the second. However, the goals of Michael Rasmussen and Vladimir Tarasenko, who were roughly two minutes apart, gave the Red Wings a 4-3 lead in the third.

But the Canucks did not give up. They made a late push until Erik Brannstrom tied the game with his third tally of the year. That goal sent the game to overtime where Jake DeBrusk ended it after taking a feed from Elias Pettersson.

#2 Kevin Lankinen continues to shine

Canucks netminder Kevin Lankinen continues to shine for Vancouver. He made 27 saves to earn the win. While he gave up four goals, he has provided solid goaltending for a Canucks team that has missed starter Thatcher Demko all season long.

Moreover, Sunday’s win was the 10th straight road win for Lankinen to start this season - a new team record for goalies.

Lankinen now has 12 wins on the year to go with a 2.65 GAA and a .907 SV%. Those numbers are tremendous for a goalie who wasn’t expected to be a starter this season. Yet, Lankinen’s performance this year has essentially saved the Canucks’ season.

#1 Jake DeBrusk’s hat trick

Jake DeBrusk scored a hat trick on Sunday night to power the Canucks past the Red Wings. DeBrusk notched two power-play goals in the second period to give Vancouver a 2-1 lead. Then he assisted on Brannstrom’s tying goal before ending the game in overtime.

All told, DeBrusk ended the game with four points (3G, 1A), earning the game’s first star. Also, Vancouver captain Quinn Hughes had three assists, earning him the game’s third star.

The Canucks will get a day off on Monday before squaring off against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center on Tuesday night.