Miller’s SO winner, Lankinen saves day, and more: 3 reasons why Vancouver Canucks won 4-3 in SO over Seattle Kraken

The Vancouver Canucks got a hard-fought 4-3 shootout win over the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena on Thursday night. J.T. Miller, amid trade rumors, got the winner in the shootout to lift the Canucks.

Conor Garland, Tyler Myers and Max Sasson got the regulation tallies for Vancouver. Meanwhile, Vince Dunn, Matty Beniers and Chandler Stephenson replied for the Kraken.

Canucks netminder Thatcher Demko left the contest in the second period with apparent back spasms. Coach Rick Tocchet said after the game that he doesn’t believe it to be serious.

So, here’s a look at the three key reasons why the Vancouver Canucks defeated the Seattle Kraken on Thursday night.

3 reasons why Vancouver Canucks won in SO over Seattle Kraken

#3 Canucks recovered from blown lead

The Vancouver Canucks had a 3-1 lead early in the third period following Myer’s second goal of the season. Then, the Kraken pushed to tie the game with Dunn getting the equalizer with less than a minute to go.

Overtime solved nothing, sending the game to the shootout. Miller’s goal allowed the Canucks to escape with the two points.

Overall, the Kraken outplayed and outshot the Canucks (27-22) but could not complete the comeback.

#2 Lankinen saves the day

With Demko’s departure roughly seven minutes into the second period, backup goaltender Kevin Lankinen was pressed into service. Lankinen stepped in and made 13 saves on 15 shots. However, he was unable to hold the lead amid his team’s inability to keep the Kraken in check.

Still, Lankinen was big in overtime and the shootout, stopping all three shots he faced in the shootout. In particular, the two saves on Kaapo Kakko and Matty Beniers were crucial following Miller’s goal against Philipp Grubauer.

With Demko potentially missing some time in the upcoming days, Lankinen will once again be thrust into the spotlight as the Vancouver Canucks’ starting goaltender.

#1 Miller lifts Canucks

Fittingly, J.T. Miller was the hero on Thursday night amid speculation regarding the reported feud between him and Elias Pettersson. With Pettersson currently out with an injury, Miller is tasked with leading the offense for the Canucks.

While Miller was unable to find the back of the net in regulation, he scored when it mattered most. His shootout goal gave Vancouver an important win, snapping a brief two-game skid. The win also allowed the Canucks to leapfrog the Calgary Flames into fourth place in the Pacific Division.

The Canucks will have little time to recover, as they take on the Nashville Predators on Friday night at home.