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The Vancouver Canucks put on a dominant performance, defeating the Calgary Flames 5-1 to clinch first place in the Pacific Division. The Canucks controlled the pace of the game from the opening puck drop, peppering Jacob Markstrom with shots and capitalizing on their scoring opportunities.
NHL Highlights Flames vs Canucks. April 16, 2024
Canucks Take Charge Early:
The Canucks wasted no time establishing their dominance. Brock Boeser found Quinn Hughes with a cross-ice pass, but Hughes’ shot was saved by Markstrom. The pressure continued, with Antoine Roussel and J.T. Miller forcing saves from the Flames’ goaltender. Finally, the breakthrough came midway through the first period. Nils Hoglander capitalized on a beautiful feed from Elias Pettersson to put the Canucks on the board.
Markstrom Holds Strong (For a While):
Despite the Canucks’ relentless attack, Markstrom kept the Flames within striking distance. He made a series of acrobatic saves, including denying Tyler Myers from close range and smothering a rebound chance for Vasily Podkolzin.
Canucks Extend Lead in the Second:
The Canucks continued their offensive onslaught in the second period. Dakota Joshua scored his 18th goal of the season on a breakaway feed from Connor Garland. Moments later, Andrei Kuzmenko displayed remarkable hand-eye coordination to deflect a shot from Olli Juolevi past Markstrom. The Canucks’ relentless pressure eventually forced Markstrom from the net, replaced by Thatcher Demko.
Demko Shines Despite Third Period Scare:
Demko entered the game cold but quickly found his rhythm. He made several key saves in the third period, including a spectacular glove save on a shot from Elias Lindholm. However, the Flames finally broke through with a goal from Braden Pardy midway through the period.
Miller Caps Dominant Performance:
J.T. Miller silenced any hopes of a Flames comeback with a power-play goal late in the third period. This capped off a dominant performance for the Canucks and secured their place atop the Pacific Division.
Clinching First Place:
With this victory, the Canucks not only secured a playoff berth but also clinched first place in the Pacific Division. This gives them home-ice advantage throughout the first round of the playoffs, a significant advantage in their quest for the Stanley Cup.
