Game Notes: Canucks vs. Sharks

CANUCKS VS SHARKS

TV: CITY, Sportsnet East, Sportsnet Ontario, Sportsnet Pacific, NBC Sports Bay Area

Radio: Sportsnet 650

MATCH-UP INFO

• Tonight marks the last meeting between the Canucks and Sharks this season: Nov. 2 (road, 10-1 W), Nov. 20 (home, 3-1 W), Nov. 25 (road, 4-3 L), and Dec. 23 (home).

• Vancouver is 67-56-9-7 all-time against San Jose, including a 31-26-4-5 record on home ice.

• The Canucks are 9-1-0 in their last 10 games against the Sharks (4-1-0 in their last 5).

• J.T. Miller leads all active Canucks skaters in scoring against San Jose with 27 points (9-18-27) in 22 career games.

• Quinn Hughes has 19 points (6-13-19) in 14 career games against the Sharks, including 8 points (2-6-8) in 3 games this season.

• In 18 career games, Elias Pettersson has 18 points (5-13-18) against San Jose.

• Ilya MIkheyev has recorded 10 points (5-5-10) in seven career games against the Sharks.

• Brock Boeser (11-9-20, 22 GP) and Conor Garland (9-11-20, 23 GP) each have 20 points all time against San Jose.

• Thatcher Demko is 10-0-0 with a 1.99 GAA and a .932 save percentage in ten career games against the Sharks.

• In six career games (2-4-0), Casey DeSmith has a 3.58 GAA and a .888 save percentage all-time against San Jose.

QUICK NUMBERS

• Quinn Hughes has registered 12 points (1-11-12) in his last 15 games, totaling 42 points overall (9-33-42). He ranks 1st in the league for points amongst defencemen and ranks 3rd in the league for assists amongst all skaters.

• J.T. Miller has 46 points overall this season (15-31-46) and has 17 points (3-14-17) in his last 15 games. He ranks 3rd in the league for points.

• Brock Boeser has scored 24 goals this season, ranking 2nd in the league.

• Dakota Joshua has six points (4-2-6) in his last five games.

• Teddy Blueger (2-4-6) is currently on a five-game point streak.

• Conor Garland has five points (1-4-5) in his last five games.

• Thatcher Demko is tied for the league lead in wins (16).

• The Vancouver Canucks currently rank t-1st in the league and have the highest goal differential (+44) in the league. The Canucks currently have the most wins (19) when leading after two periods and have scored the first goal of the game 22 times, 1st in the NHL. They also have the most wins (17) when scoring first.

LAST MEETING – NOV. 25/23: VAN 3 at SJS 4

Filip Hronek opened scoring for the Canucks with his second goal of the season at 15:37 in the first period on the power play...J.T. Miller and Quinn Hughes recorded assists on the play...Hughes extended his point streak to 11 games (4-13-17)...Brock Boeser scored a goal on the power play at 19:39 in the second period...J.T. Miller was credited with the lone helper...Boeser scored his 15th goal of the season at 16:49 in the third period to cut the lead to one...Miller and Elias Pettersson registered the assists...Boeser (7) led the Canucks in shots...Dakota Joshua (3) led the team in hits.

2023.24 TEAM RANKS

LAST GAME PLAYED – DEC. 21/23: VAN 3 at DAL 4

Dakota Joshua opened scoring for the game with his 8th goal of the season at 2:51 in the first period...Conor Garland registered the primary assist...Teddy Blueger recorded the secondary assist to extend his point streak to five-games...Brock Boeser netted his 24th goal of the season at 12:26 in the second period...J.T. Miller and Quinn Hughes both assisted the play...Garland scored his 3rd goal of the season at 15:04 in the third period...Joshua and Blueger posted the assists...Garland (1-1-2), Blueger (0-2-2) and Joshua (1-1-2) all recorded multi-point games while three other Canucks got on the scoresheet...Boeser led the team in shots (4)...Joshua led the team in hits (5).

LAST 5 - vs SAN JOSE

• Nov. 25/23: VAN 3 at SJS 4

• Nov. 20/23: VAN 3 vs SJS 1

• Nov. 2/23: VAN 10 at SJS 1

• Mar. 23/23: VAN 7 vs SJS 2

• Dec. 27/22: VAN 6 vs SJS 2

THE LIFE LINE

• The Canucks third line (Dakota Joshua – Teddy Blueger – Conor Garland) have contributed 23 points (9-14-23) in their last 9 games. In the past nine games, Dakota Joshua (5-3-8) and Teddy Blueger (3-5-8) have eight points and Conor Garland (1-6- 7) has seven points. Teddy Blueger is also currently on a five-game point streak (2-4-6).

TRIPLE THREAT

• J.T. Miller, Quinn Hughes and Elias Pettersson are the third teammate trio since 1997 to each record 40 points in their team’s first 33 games of a season. The other trios include Mikko Rantanen, Nathan Mackinnon, and Gabriel Landeskog in 2018.19 and Daniel Alfredsson, Daniel Heatley, and Jason Spezza in 2005.06 and 2007.08.

• Miller, Hughes and Pettersson are also the second teammate trio in Canucks franchise history to each record 40 points in their first 33 games of a season. Tony Tanti, Patrik Sundstrom and Darcy Rota are the only other Canucks trio to complete this feat.

BOES-EMBER

• With his 23rd goal of the season on Dec. 17/23 at CHI, Boeser became the fourth Canuck to record 23+ goals through 32 games, joining Pavel Bure (26, 1992.93), Tony Tanti (25, 1983.84), and Alexander Mogilny (23, 1995.96).

• Boeser recorded a nine-game point streak lasting from Nov. 25/23 to Dec. 14/23. This point streak matched the longest of his career, he also recorded his second natural hat trick of the season during this stretch.

• Through Dec. 14 (30 games), Brock Boeser has doubled his power play points (6 to 12), tripled his shooting percentage (9.4% to 27.5%) and nearly quadrupled his goal total (6 to 22) from 2022.23 to 2023.24 and is on-pace for a career-high 98 points.

• With his hat-trick performance against Tampa Bay, Dec. 12/23, Brock Boeser is t-3rd in the league with Brady Tkachuk for most multi-goal games in the 2023.24 season with 6. He is currently chasing Auston Matthews (9) and Nikita Kucherov (8).

• Brock Boeser (29 GP) became the 6th fastest player in franchise history to reach 20 goals in a season. Pavel Bure paces the list (19 GP, 1992.92). Boeser is also the 6th player to complete this feat in under 30 games.

• After his natural hat trick on Dec. 12/23 vs TBL, Boeser became the 9th player in Canucks franchise history to have five career hat tricks with the club, he also ranks t-6th for most hat tricks in franchise history. Boeser is also the first player since Petri Skriko in 1986.87 to have two natural hat tricks in a season.

• Brock Boeser’s seven power-play goals in November ranks t-4th for most power-play goals in a single calendar month since 2013.14.

DIALED IN DEMKO

• On Dec. 18/23, Thatcher Demko was named the NHL’s Second Star of the Week. Demko went 3-0-0 with a 1.33 goals against average, a .957 save percentage and one shutout.

• Demko stopped 36 shots for his third shutout of the season and sixth of his career on Dec. 14/23 vs FLA. Demko is currently t- 7th for most shutouts in Canucks franchise history with Richard Brodeur, Garth Snow and Eddie Lack.

• Demko became the first goaltender to record 15 wins in the NHL this season. Demko (22 GP) is the third goaltender in Canucks franchise history to complete this feat in 22 or fewer games. Ryan Miller (18 GP, 2014.15) and Cory Schneider (22 GP, 2010.11) are the only other goalies in franchise history to complete this feat.

SETTING RECORDS

• Dec. 21/23 marks the latest into the season that the Canucks are first overall in the NHL standings since 2011.12.
• After their win on Dec. 14/23 vs FLA, the Vancouver Canucks (30 GP) set a franchise record for fewest games needed to reach 20 wins in a season. The previous record was set in 2005.06 in 31 games.

MOVING UP THE LIDST

• After recording three assists in a 4-1 win on Dec. 12/23 vs TBL, Quinn Hughes (245 assists in 312 GP) became third all- time in assists amongst defencemen in Canucks franchise history, passing Doug Lidster. Hughes completed this feat in 354 less games than Lidster (242 assists in 666 GP).

GAME-WINNING PETEY

• Elias Pettersson has recorded 21 games with at least 1 goal and 2 assists after his three-point game on Dec. 9/23 vs CAR. He ranks t-4th for most such games in Canucks franchise history.

• After recording the GWG on Dec. 9/23 vs CAR, Elias Pettersson recorded the 26th GWG of his career. He tied Thomas Gradin for the 9th most in franchise history.

• By recording 3 points (1-2-3) on Dec. 9/23 vs CAR, Pettersson (29 games) ranks fourth for most 3+ point performances by a Canucks player in their first 6 seasons. Pavel Bure (37), Thomas Gradin (35) and Patrick Sundstrom (30) all pace the list.

MILLER THE MAGNIFICENT

• After recording two assists on Dec. 17/23 at CHI, Miller (11 GP) owns the record for most multi-assist efforts in the first 32 games of a season in franchise history. He passed Henrik Sedin who had 10 games in the first 32 games of the 2009.10 season.

• After registering two assists on Dec. 12/23 vs TBL, J.T. Miller (42 points 15-27-42) owns the Canucks franchise record for most points prior to the 30th game of the season. Tony Tanti held the previous record with 41 points in 1983.84.

• J.T. Miller matched the Canucks franchise record for fewest number of games needed to record 40 points (15-25-40, 28 GP), after scoring a goal on Dec. 9/23 vs CAR, joining Tony Tanti in 1983.84. Miller and Tanti are the only players in Canucks history to post 40 points in less than 30 games.

• After assisting on two goals on Nov. 28/23 vs ANA, Miller had 35 points this season in just 23 games. He ranks t-2nd for fewest games needed to reach that mark in a season in franchise history. Only Tony Tanti (21 GP) accomplished this feat faster.

TIK TOC

• With his victory on Dec. 19/23 vs NSH, Rick Tocchet recorded his 220th career coaching victory, ranking him 76th on the all-time coaching wins list.

• Recording his 40th win as Canucks coach on Dec. 14 vs FLA, Rick Tocchet passed Tom Renney for 14th on the Canucks all-time coaching wins list.

• On Dec. 5/23 vs NJD, Rick Tocchet coached his 500th game. He became the 7th person in NHL history to play in 1000 career NHL games and serve as the head coach in 500 career NHL games.

DESMITH WITH DESAVES

• Casey DeSmith recorded his first shutout with the Canucks and the 10th of his career on Dec.7/23 vs MIN. He also became the 36th goalie in Canucks franchise history to record a shutout.

FOUR OF A KIND

• On Dec. 5/23 vs NJD, the Canucks became the first team with four 30+ point players (J.T. Miller – 39, Quinn Hughes – 36, Elias Pettersson – 34, Brock Boeser – 30) in a season’s first 26 games since the 1995.96 Pittsburgh Penguins.

• Miller, Hughes, Pettersson and Boeser became the first quartet in NHL history to each register 25 points through the season’s first 23 games.

QUINNSANITY

• By his two assists on Dec. 19/23 at NSH, Quinn Hughes ranks t-2nd for most career multi-point games by a Canucks defencemen with 67 GP. Alexander Edler paces the list with 68 GP.

• Quinn Hughes is the first defenseman in Canucks franchise history to reach 40 points in less than 40 games. He is also the 5th defenseman in the NHL with 40+ points in his first 33 games of a season in the past 25 years.

• After recording two assists on Dec. 19/23 at NSH, Quinn Hughes ranks 1st for most multi-assist games by a Canucks defencemen (54 GP), he also ranks 8th amongst all skaters in franchise history. With this feat he also ranks 2nd in Canucks franchise history for most multi-point games by a defenceman.

• Hughes (17 GP) ranks t-4th for most 3+ assist games for a defencemen in their first six seasons in NHL history, Bobby Orr paces the list (31 GP).

• After recording a goal on Dec. 2/23 at CGY, Quinn Hughes extended his road point-streak to 11 games, becoming the sixth defenseman to complete this feat in the past 25 years.

• Hughes extended his point streak to 11 games after recording an assist on Nov. 25/23 at SJS. He matched the longest run by a defenceman in Canucks history.

2023.24 CANUCKS MILESTONES

• Rick Tocchet coached his 500th career NHL game, Dec. 5 vs NJD

• Teddy Blueger recorded his 100th career point, Nov. 24 at SEA

• Conor Garland recorded his 200th career point, Nov. 24 at SEA

• Andrei Kuzmenko appeared in his 100th NHL game, Nov. 22 at COL

• Quinn Hughes appeared in his 300th NHL game, Nov. 16 at CGY

• Linus Karlsson appeared in his first NHL game, Nov. 16 at CGY

• Ilya Mikheyev appeared in his 200th NHL game, Nov. 6 vs EDM

• Elias Pettersson recorded his 200th career assist, Nov. 2 at SJS

• Anthony Beauvillier appeared in his 500th NHL game, Nov. 2 at SJS

• Brock Boeser appeared in his 400th NHL game, Oct. 14 at EDM

• Rick Tocchet recorded his 200th career win, Oct. 14 at EDM

RECENT TRANSACTIONS

• Nick Cicek and a sixth-round pick (2024) acquired from San Jose in exchange for Jack Studnicka, Dec. 15

• Pius Suter activated off IR, Dec 14

• Linus Karlsson reassigned to Abbotsford, Dec 9

• Matt Irwin reassigned to Abbotsford, Dec. 2 

• Nikita Zadorov acquired from Calgary in exchange for a fifth-round pick (2024) and a third-round pick (2026), Nov. 30

• Cole McWard reassigned to Abbotsford, Nov. 29

• Linus Karlsson recalled from Abbotsford, Nov. 29

• Matt Irwin recalled from Abbotsford, Nov. 29

• Akito Hirose reassigned to Abbotsford, Nov. 29

• Conditional fifth-round pick (2024) acquired from Chicago in exchange for Anthony Beauvillier, Nov. 28

• Cole McWard recalled from Abbotsford, Nov. 24

• Nils Åman recalled from Abbotsford, Nov. 24

• Pius Suter placed on IR, Nov. 24

• Carson Soucy placed on LTIR, Nov. 24

THE LAST TIME...

• The Canucks won when leading after 1P: Dec. 19/23 at NSH

• The Canucks lost when leading after 1P: Nov. 18/23 vs SEA

• The Canucks lost in OT/SO when leading after 1P: Mar. 31/23 vs CGY

• The Canucks won when leading after 2P: Dec. 19/23 at NSH

• The Canucks lost when leading after 2P: Oct. 17/22 at WSH

• The Canucks lost in OT/SO when leading after 2P: Mar. 31/23 vs CGY

• The Canucks won when trailing after 1P: Nov. 15/23 vs NYI

• The Canucks lost when trailing after 1P: Dec. 5/23 vs NJD

• The Canucks lost in OT/SO when trailing after 1P: Dec. 16/23 at MIN

• The Canucks won when trailing after 2P: Nov. 15/23 vs NYI

• The Canucks lost when trailing after 2P: Dec. 5/23 vs NJD

• The Canucks lost in OT/SO when trailing after 2P: Mar. 28/23 at STL

• The Canucks won when tied after 1P: Dec. 17/23 at CHI

• The Canucks lost when tied after 1P: Nov. 25/23 at SJS

• The Canucks lost in OT/SO when tied after 1P: Dec. 21/23 at DAL

• The Canucks won when tied after 2P: Nov. 28/23 vs ANA

• The Canucks lost when tied after 2P: Nov. 25/23 at SJS

• The Canucks lost in OT/SO when tied after 2P: Dec. 21/23 at DAL

2023.24 SEASON HIGHS AND LOWS

• Most Goals Scored, Game: 10, Nov. 2/23 at SJS

• Most Goals Scored, Period: 4, 2x, Nov. 2/23 at SJS, 1st and 2nd period

• Most Goals Allowed, Game: 6, Dec. 5/23 vs NJD

• Most Goals Allowed, Period: 4, Dec. 5/23 vs NJD, 1st period

• Fewest Goals Scored, Game: 0, Oct. 17 at PHI

• Fewest Goals Allowed, Game: 0, 4x, Latest Dec. 14/23 vs FLA

• Most PPG Scored, Game: 4, Nov. 2/23 at SJS

• Most PPG Allowed, Game: 3, Oct. 28/23 vs NYR

• Most SHG Scored, Game: 1, 4x, Latest Nov. 24/23 at SEA

• Most SHG Allowed, Game: 0

• Most Shots, Game: 43, Nov. 15/23 vs NYI

• Most Shots, Period: 19, Oct. 27/23 vs STL, 1st period

• Fewest Shots, Game: 16, 2x, Latest Nov. 9/23 at OTT

• Fewest Shots, Period: 1, Dec. 14/23 vs FLA, 3rd period

• Most Shots Allowed, Game: 44, Nov. 30/23 vs VGK

• Most Shots Allowed, Period: 22, Oct. 17/23 at PHI, 2nd period

• Fewest Shots Allowed, Game: 18, Oct. 24/23 at NSH

• Fewest Shots Allowed, Period: 2, Nov. 24/23 at SEA, 3rd period

• Most Hits, Game: 33, 2x, Latest Dec. 5/23 vs NJD

• Fewest Hits, Game: 7, Nov. 2/23 at SJS

• Most Blocked Shots, Game: 25, Oct. 14/23 at EDM

• Fewest Blocked Shots, Game: 2, Oct. 27/23 vs STL

• Largest Margin of Victory: 9 goals, Nov. 2/23 at SJS (10-1 W)

• Largest Margin of Defeat: 3 goals, 4x, Latest Nov. 30/23 vs VGK

• Longest Win Streak: 5 games, Oct. 31/23 – Nov. 9/23

• Longest Point Streak: 9 games, Oct. 21/23 – Nov. 9/23

• Longest Winless Streak: 2 games, 2x, Latest Nov. 16/23 - Nov. 18/23

• Longest Pointless Streak: 2 games, 2x, Latest Nov. 16/23 - Nov. 18/23

VANCOUVER 2023.24 RECORD WHEN...

• Score 4+ Goals: 17-1-0

• Score 3 Goals or Less: 5-8-3

• Allow 4+ Goals: 0-8-2

• Allow 3 Goals or Less: 22-1-1

• Scoring First: 17-4-1

• Allowing First Goal: 5-5-2

• On 0 Days Rest: 2-2-1

• On 1 Day Rest: 11-5-2

• On 2 Days Rest: 8-2-0

• On 3+ Days Rest: 1-0-0

• Score a PPG: 12-4-1

• Give up a PPG: 11-5-1

• 25 or More Shots on Goal: 14-6-2

• Less than 25 shots: 8-3-1

THREE STARS - DECEMBER

• DeSmith – 15 pts

• Mikheyev – 10 pts

• Boeser – 10 pts

• Demko – 10 pts

• Höglander – 10 pts

• Johsua – 10 pts

• Pettersson – 5 pts

• Hughes – 5 pts

• Hronek – 5 pts

• Garland – 5 pts

• Lafferty – 5 pts

• Garland – 5 pts

• Myers – 5 pts

• Miller – 5 pts

• Åman–5pts

NOVEMBER WINNER – Hughes, Demko (30 pts)
OCTOBER WINNER – Pettersson (15 pts)
*5 points are awarded for each Three Stars selection