Jonathan Lekkerimaki scored in regulation and netted the game-deciding goal in the fourth round of the shootout, helping the Vancouver Canucks edge the New Jersey Devils 4-3 on Monday night.
Pius Suter tallied two goals for the Canucks, who improved to 3-1 in shootouts this season. Goalie Thatcher Demko made 22 saves in his first start since suffering a lower-body injury on February 8.
Timo Meier scored twice for the Devils, while Erik Haula added a goal. Jacob Markstrom stopped 25 shots in the net for New Jersey.
Jake DeBrusk opened the shootout with a goal for Vancouver, and Jesper Bratt answered for New Jersey in the second round. In the fourth, Lekkerimaki fired a wrister past Markstrom for the game-winner — his first career shootout attempt.
Haula gave New Jersey a 3-2 lead with 6:35 remaining in the third period, but Suter struck again with 36 seconds left to force overtime.
Earlier in the period, Meier briefly put the Devils ahead 2-1 at 11:02, only for Lekkerimaki to tie it at 2-2 just 45 seconds later.
Game Takeaways
Canucks: Vancouver gained a crucial point in their push for a Western Conference wild-card spot. Demko’s strong return and timely scoring helped the Canucks battle back multiple times.
Devils: New Jersey extended its lead over Ottawa to two points for third in the Metropolitan Division, though the Senators have three games in hand.
Key Moment
Jacob Markstrom made a critical pad save on a Quinn Hughes breakaway in overtime to keep the game alive.
Key Stat
Vancouver defenseman Quinn Hughes led all players with 31:38 of ice time and recorded six shots on goal. It marked the fourth time this season he’s logged over 30 minutes in a game.
Looking Ahead
Vancouver continues its six-game road trip against the New York Islanders on Wednesday. New Jersey begins a three-game trip in Chicago on the same night.
