Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports

Dakota Joshua Leads the Canucks Past the Ducks

Originally posted on Old Prof Hockey | Last updated 4/1/24

In a close matchup, the Vancouver Canucks won a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday. Dakota Joshua, who recently came back from an injury, emerged as the hero for the Canucks. He scored twice to push his team over the top to the win. Brock Boeser also contributed a crucial first-period power-play goal. J.T. Miller provided a pair of assists.

The Ducks were far from a pushover in this game. They fought hard to come back from a 2-0 deficit and tied the game at 2-2. Olen Zellweger and Mason McTavish scored third-period goals to keep the game tight. However, Joshua’s decisive goal late in the game, assisted by Conor Garland, ultimately was the game-winner.

Three Reasons Why the Canucks Won the Game

There were three key reasons why the Canucks emerged victorious over the Ducks. First, the team had timely offensive contributions. Two different Canucks players contributed to the team’s offense. That includes scoring twice on the power play as well. Boeser’s early goal provided momentum, while Joshua’s two goals pushed the team over the top.

In arguably the best game of his #NHL career, Dakota Joshua had the following for #Canucks vs #FlyTogether

Goals-2
Shots on goal-2
PP TOI: 2:11
SH TOI: 3:57
Shifts: 22 (2nd among all Vancouver forwards)
GWG-5th of season (3rd most on club)@Sportsnet650 pic.twitter.com/CBdmwJwVHD
— Joey Kenward (@kenwardskorner) March 31, 2024

Second, the Canucks got a solid goaltending performance from Arturs Silovs. Silovs, who was drafted by the Canucks in the sixth round as the 156th overall pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, delivered a stellar game by making 20 saves on 22 shots. The game was his first NHL appearance since March 6, 2023. Although the Ducks scored two quick goals to make it close in the third period, overall he was able to deter numerous scoring chances. He stopped the pucks that he had to, particularly during crucial moments in the game.

Third, the Canucks’ special teams played a vital role in the win. They capitalized on two power-play opportunities while effectively shutting down Anaheim’s power-play opportunities. The Canucks’ penalty kill unit effectively killed off a critical penalty late in the third period without even allowing a shot on goal, showcasing their discipline and defensive prowess.

The Canucks Have Now Clinched the Playoffs

Overall, the combination of offensive firepower, stellar goaltending, and special teams proficiency propelled the Canucks to a 3-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks. They now have accomplished two things. First, the are in the postseason. Second, they hit the 100-point mark on the season.

This article first appeared on Old Prof Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

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