DALLAS — Three weeks ago, Kiefer Sherwood etched his name into the NHL records by registering the most hits in a season. On Tuesday night, he played a pivotal role in helping the Vancouver Canucks orchestrate a historic comeback in the dying moments of regulation.
In an astonishing turn of events, Sherwood scored in overtime with just 1:16 left on the clock after the Canucks became the first team in NHL history to score three goals in the final minute of regulation, with all being 6-on-5 goals. This incredible rally saw Vancouver top the Dallas Stars with a final score of 6-5.
Reflecting on the dramatic victory, Sherwood praised his teammate, Conor Garland. “It speaks volumes about the team,” Sherwood said after Garland navigated a crucial pass from behind the Dallas net that allowed Sherwood to net the decisive shot. “‘Gar’ pulled off an unbelievably creative play. It felt like everything moved in slow motion as he found me, setting it up perfectly.”
Initially, the Canucks trailed 3-0 after two periods and were down 5-2 as the clock ticked down in the third period. The rally ensured they staved off elimination in the playoff chase, just a year after clinching their division title.
“That’s got to be one of the top comebacks,” remarked Vancouver’s coach, Rick Tocchet. “The grit and determination we showed in the third period were remarkable. This win is a testament to the team’s tenacity and character.”
Jake DeBrusk and Victor Mancini provided a spark for the Canucks, scoring power-play goals early in the third to close the gap to 3-2. However, Dallas sought to reclaim momentum, with Mavrik Bourque scoring with just under three minutes left, followed by Mikael Granlund’s empty-net goal, extending their lead to 5-2.
Tocchet recalled the tense moments: “With it 5-2, it seemed defeat was inevitable. But the team never lost spirit. They rallied to fight back.”
With one minute remaining, Aatu Raty scored the first 6-on-5 goal, and shortly after, Pius Suter made it 5-4 with half a minute left. In a thrilling finish, Suter struck again with just over five seconds left, evening the score.
In overtime, Dallas faced a penalty for Mikko Rantanen’s slashing, and despite successfully killing the penalty with both teams playing 4 on 4 instead of the standard 3-on-3, Sherwood clinched the game with his electrifying goal.
The Stars were on the brink of securing at least the second spot in the Central Division with a potential victory. As it stands, they remain four points shy of first-place Winnipeg as they prepare to face the Jets.
“I’ve experienced many ups and downs in this league, but I’ve never lost in such a way,” admitted Stars coach, Pete DeBoer.
Stars captain, Jamie Benn, who hails from Victoria, British Columbia, regarded the outcome as “unacceptable.” Benn lamented, “We were in control. We should have closed it out.”