Sherwood's first career hat trick leads the Canucks to a 3-1 victory over the Avalanche – The Hockey Writers – Vancouver Canucks

Led by Kiefer Sherwood's first natural career hat trick, the Vancouver Canucks defeated the Colorado Avalanche 3-1 at Rogers Arena on Monday night. Colorado Avalanche). The former Avalanche forward is having his strongest game of the season, now scoring a career-high 11 goals after scoring 10 last season. The Avalanche were in danger of being shut out, but Valeri Nichushkin's goal in the final minute ensured that didn't happen, breaking Thatcher Demko's own A goal blocked for the first time since returning from injury. Demko earned his first win of the season after losing to the St. Louis Blues in overtime and defeating the Boston Bruins 5-1. Blackwood, meanwhile, lost for the first time since being traded from the San Jose Sharks on Dec. 9.

game review

The game was mainly controlled by the Canucks in the first quarter, with 11-4 scoring chances and 4-1 high-danger chances. They eventually capitalized on one of their chances, with Sherwood winning a battle on the boards and after some quick passes between Pius Suter and Denton Heinen, who eventually found the back of the net on Mackenzie Black. Wood scored his ninth goal. Henin shot on goal and Blackwood made the initial save, but Sherwood was there to grab the rebound. After a cross-check on JT Miller, the Avalanche ended the period 1-0.

The Avalanche had two great chances to tie the game in the final seconds, but Demko held on to hold the Canucks' 1-0 lead. After that, the scores of both sides increased alternately until Sherwood scored the first short-handed goal of his career at 16 minutes and 04 seconds. He poked the puck away from Nathan MacKinnon's stick at the blue line, outran Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar and used Wrist the ball past Blackwood for his tenth goal of the season. The Avalanche were unable to score on the counterattack, and the score remained at 2-0 at the end of the second quarter.

Kiefer Sherwood's first career hat trick, and it's a natural hat trick! 👏

Hat Trick Challenge presented by @AsterZeneca pic.twitter.com/Sr4qzVDxKQ

— NHL (@NHL) December 17, 2024

The third period was dominated by the Avalanche as they tried to cut into the Canucks' two-goal lead. But despite a power play midway through, they couldn't get past Demko. The Canucks succumbed but were not broken, and eventually Sherwood scored the third goal into an empty net at 17:25 for the first natural hat trick of his career. The Avalanche broke Demko's buzzer beater in the final minute, but ultimately lost to the Canucks 3-1.

Demko had a solid start for the second straight game, with Kevin Lankinen still not feeling well, finishing with 30 saves on 31 shots. Blackwood was also outstanding at the other end, stopping 22 of 24 games.

What’s next for the Canucks and Avalanche?

The Canucks depart Rogers Arena for a quick two-game road trip that begins Wednesday against Utah Hockey Club. Meanwhile, the Avalanche will travel to California on Thursday to take on the San Jose Sharks.