DETROIT — In an exhilarating match, Jake DeBrusk achieved a hat trick, securing the game-winning goal in overtime as the Vancouver Canucks triumphed over the Detroit Red Wings with a score of 5-4 on Sunday.
DeBrusk made a significant impact during the game by netting two power-play goals within just 43 seconds at the start of the second period. He also contributed to Erik Brannstrom’s goal that leveled the score late in the game with just 3:20 remaining. In addition, Pius Suter found the net for Vancouver, rounding out their scoring.
Goaltender Kevin Lankinen reached a remarkable milestone, achieving a record for the most consecutive road wins to begin a season in NHL history with a perfect 10-0-0 record. This accomplishment surpasses the previous records set by Glenn Hall in the 1965-66 season and Cam Talbot earlier this season. Talbot, who was Detroit’s starting goaltender in this matchup, played last year for Los Angeles.
On the Red Wings’ side, Jonatan Berggren stood out with a goal and an assist, while teammates Alex DeBrincat, Michael Rasmussen, and Vladimir Tarasenko also contributed goals in the contest.
Unfortunately for Detroit, Talbot had to exit the game during the second period due to a lower-body injury after successfully stopping 12 shots. Ville Husso came in as his replacement, making 15 saves but allowing three goals thereafter.
In terms of overall performance, the Canucks have been impressive on their current six-game road trip, logging a record of 4-1 thus far and holding a strong 10-2 road record this season. Meanwhile, Tarasenko, who was considered the most prominent offensive acquisition for the Red Wings during the recent offseason, has managed to score in back-to-back games after experiencing a 16-game goal-scoring slump.
A critical turning point in the game occurred when penalties were issued to Simon Edvinsson and Justin Holl late in the first period, granting Vancouver a significant 5-on-3 advantage that extended into the second period. DeBrusk capitalized on Detroit’s struggling penalty-kill, ranked last in the league, by scoring through a tip-in and a rebound.
A noteworthy statistic is that Suter, who is in his fifth year as a center and has previously spent two seasons with the Red Wings, has accumulated six goals in just 11 career games against Detroit.
Next on the schedule, the Canucks will complete their six-game road trip with a game against the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday, while the Red Wings are set to face off against the Boston Bruins on the same day.
