Pettersson scores twice, Demko’s 26 saves, and more: 3 reasons why Vancouver Canucks won 4-3 over San Jose Sharks

The Vancouver Canucks edged the San Jose Sharks 4-3 in their final game before the Christmas break on Monday night at Rogers Arena. Elias Pettersson got the game-winner in the second period, as the Canucks held on for the win.

Pettersson scored twice less than a minute apart in the second period, with Brock Boeser and Kiefer Sherwood getting the other tallies for the Canucks. William Eklund (PPG), Cody Ceci and Luke Kunin for the others for the Sharks.

So, here’s a look at the three key reasons why the Vancouver Canucks held on to win over the San Jose Sharks on Monday night.

3 reasons why Vancouver Canucks won over San Jose Sharks

#3 The Canucks held on down the stretch

The Vancouver Canucks had a 4-1 lead heading into the third period. However, the Sharks chipped away at the lead, eventually making it 4-3 with seconds to go in the third period. While the goal was too late for the Sharks, the game was close throughout the third period.

Meanwhile, the Canucks were close to blowing the lead. Nevertheless, they held on for the win, snapping a three-game losing skid. The defensive effort in front of Thatcher Demko was also encouraging as the Canucks have lacked consistency over their last 10 outings.

#2 Thatcher Demko kept the Canucks in the game

Vancouver Canucks starting goaltender Thatcher Demko was the story, keeping the Canucks in the game on Monday night. Demko made 26 saves in the game, holding down the fort for the team.

Demko’s efforts were especially important as the Canucks were outshot 29-24, but in particular, 13-4 in the third period.

Demko’s performance was a good signal as the Canucks have lacked his heroics. Moreover, having Demko back in the fold provides Vancouver with confidence in knowing the team has a solid netminder to back it up in tight games.

#1 Pettersson and Boeser remerge

Elias Pettersson was the biggest story of the night, scoring twice 44 seconds apart. The two goals were huge in lifting the Canucks past the Sharks. Pettersson had been in a slump recently, going pointless in his last six games.

Following the contest, coach Rick Tocchet addressed the media, saying per Sportsnet:

“It was nice to see. He made two great shots.”

However, it wasn’t all good news for Pettersson and the Canucks. Pettersson left the game early in the third period with an undisclosed injury.

As Tocchet said:

“He was banged up.”

Based on Tocchet’s comments, the injury wasn’t serious, and Pettersson could be back in the lineup following the Christmas break.

Meanwhile, Brock Boeser also scored, tying the game in the first after the Sharks opened the scoring early in the game.

The Canucks will be back on the ice on Saturday when they take on the Seattle Kraken at Rogers Arena.