Pettersson, Hughes Shine in Canucks’ 2–1 Win Over Ducks

Pettersson, Hughes Shine in Canucks’ 2–1 Win Over Ducks
Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson (36) pokes the puck away from Vancouver Canucks center Nils Aman (88) during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Anaheim, Calif., on March 19, 2023. (Kyusung Gong/AP Photo)
The Associated Press
3/19/2023
Updated:
12/30/2023

ANAHEIM, Calif.—Elias Pettersson had a power-play goal and an assist to extend his point streak to eight games, Quinn Hughes had two assists to give him 60 for the season, and the Vancouver Canucks beat the Anaheim Ducks 2–1 on Sunday night, March 19.

J.T. Miller had a goal and an assist, and Collin Delia made 17 saves to help the Canucks win for the seventh time in eight games.

Ryan Strome scored and John Gibson had 38 saves for the Ducks, who were eliminated from playoff contention.

After Pettersson, Miller and Hughes combined for five points in a 3–2 shootout win at Los Angeles on Saturday, they continued their torrid production by working together to generate the opening two goals.

Miller buried a slap shot from above the left circle off a pass from Hughes midway through the first.

Pettersson made it 2–0 at 1:31 of the second with a wrist shot in the right circle on the Canucks’ first power play, giving him five goals and seven assist during his streak.

Pettersson has also picked up a point for the 10th straight road game, the longest run by a Vancouver player since Henrik Sedin opened the 2013–14 season with two goals and 10 assists in the first 10 games away from home.

Hughes had the primary assist on Pettersson’s goal to become the first NHL defenseman in nearly 30 years with consecutive 60-assist seasons. Ray Bourque had five such campaigns from 1989–90 through 1993–94, and Paul Coffey had back-to-back seasons in 1992–93 and 1993–94.

Hughes, who has 20 assists in his past 20 games, and Sedin are the only players in Canucks history with multiple 60-assist seasons. Sedin did it six times.

Strome spoiled Delia’s shutout bid with 6:50 left in the third.

NOTES: Vancouver is 4–1–1 in its past six road games. Referee Chris Rooney was not on the ice for the first period because of a flight delay.

Up Next

Canucks: Host Vegas on Tuesday night.

Ducks: Host Calgary on Tuesday night.

By Dan Greenspan