Cholowski made it 2-0 at 9:19 of the second while the Red Wings were on a 4-on-3 man-advantage. Detroit held the lead at the end of the period, but Tyler Bertuzzi took a tripping penalty at 19:59.
"That's a situation where you are trying so hard that you end up taking a penalty with one second left," Blashill said. "That's something you can't do."
Vancouver scored the third power-play of the game at 1:42 of the third when Horvat poked a rebound past Howard to make it 2-1.
Cholowski took a penalty six seconds after the goal, and Horvat redirected Hughes' point shot to tie it 2-2 at 3:13.
"We knew we had to get a power-play goal at the start of the second, but it was huge to get two that quickly," Horvat said. "Once we got it tied, we were able to take over the game."
Virtanen gave the Canucks a 3-2 lead at 12:19 on an even-strength goal. Filip Hronek tipped Virtanen's attempted pass into his own net with Horvat charging into the crease.
"I wasn't even thinking about shooting," Virtanen said. "I saw Bo flying down the middle and I was trying to get him the puck. I'm still not sure if it hit the defenseman's stick or skate, but I'll take it."
Tim Schaller scored at 14:21 with his first goal of the season to make it 4-2, and Horvat completed his hat trick with an empty-net goal at 18:48 for the 5-2 final.
"[Horvat] really seemed to find his stride on this trip," Green said. "He's had a lot going on early in the season, especially being named captain. You have to think that was weighing on him a little with all the media attention and everything, but he's really played well on this trip and especially tonight."