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‘A lot of guys are out and a lot of guys are stepping up. I’m proud of the team. We played hard’ — Elias Pettersson
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Published Oct 26, 2025 • Last updated 10 hours ago • 4 minute read
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Brock Boeser scores a goal on Calvin Pickard during the first period at Rogers Arena on Sunday night. Photo by Derek Cain /Getty ImagesArticle content
The Quinn Hughes effect was felt early and late Sunday at Rogers Arena.
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With the Vancouver Canucks captain sidelined day-to-day with a lower-body injury sustained Saturday, it led to a pair of rimming the puck exits in the opening minute that turned into icings and defensive-zone drama.
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It was a stark reminder that life without Hughes effortlessly eluding forecheckers and threading long lead passes won’t be easy, even if his absence is not prolonged. That was the challenge for the top pairing of Filip Hronek and Marcus Pettersson against the high-octane Edmonton Oilers.
And without Hughes to run the show in overtime, and a defensive core running on fumes, it was a three-forward set that clicked as Kiefer Sherwood’s deft deflection for his second of the night and team-leading fifth goal provided an encouraging 4-3 victory, especially amid all the injuries. Victor Mancini didn’t finished the game and was being evaluated post game.
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“It worked out,” said Sherwood. “We practise it and it was nice to apply it in a game. We just have to pull on the rope together and stick to our identity every day. Our line is trying to maintain a blue-collar mentality and it’s contagious for the next line.”
Kiefer Sherwood celebrates after scoring the overtime goal Photo by Derek Cain /Getty Images
The collective commitment to keep the two-headed monster of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in check at even strength was also a challenge, but even a 3-1 lead is never safe. And when Draisaitl scored his second goal on the power play, it was 3-3. Lesson learned. Don’t take penalties against the Oilers. They’re too quick with rotations and puck moments and leave you dizzy and reaching.
Canucks head coach Adam Foote opted to go strength against strength and it was a vote of confidence for Elias Pettersson, Jake DeBrusk and Conor Garland, who combined for six points Saturday.
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It’s not an easy assignment because McDavid at top speed through the neutral zone and playmaking creativity in the slot is matched by Draisaitl’s deadly accuracy in releasing one-time slappers from his office in the faceoff dot.
You could tell that Pettersson relished the head-to-head meeting with McDavid because he has always been defensively reliable to build a two-way game. And with that effort came power play confidence to unleash a heavy one-timer slapper to the short side for a 2-0 lead.
“A lot of guys are out and a lot of guys are stepping up,” said Pettersson. “I’m proud of the team. We played hard. They have two of the best players in the league and they’re going to get their chances to create. We stuck with it.”
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And how hard was it to stick to McDavid.
“Full attention every shift,” said Pettersson. “Tried to take always time and speed.”
Connor McDavid and Elias Pettersson battle for the puck in the first period Photo by Derek Cain /Getty Images
The top line was not on the ice when Evan Bouchard sprung Draisaitl for a breakaway goal, which was another reminder of having the right matchup out there at the right time.
One thing the Canucks didn’t have to worry about was the effectiveness of Sherwood to once again lead by example. Not just with trademark physical play, but with a burst of speed to make it 3-1.
That kind of stuff is infectious and you could see guys who don’t normally get physically involved giving the extra effort to preserve the victory. Drew O’Connor played his best game of the season. And it extended all the way back to the crease.
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The Oilers were purposely trying to beat Thatcher Demko to the glove side, which at one point was an area of his game that needed cleaning up. They were thwarted on several chances.
Thatcher Demko stops a tip from Connor McDavid during the first period Photo by ETHAN CAIRNS /THE CANADIAN PRESSREPORT CARDS
Jake DeBrusk (B+)
Early shot block, scoring chance, more engaged, more responsible. Four shots.
Elias Pettersson (A)
Drew tough McDavid matchup, wired howitzer, four blocks, better in faceoffs.
Conor Garland (B)
Always a pest on forecheck with speed. Never cheats game. Calming affect.
Evander Kane (B)
Hustled to puck and fed backhander on Boeser goal. More noticeable.
Lukas Reichel (B-)
Speed was obvious, but so was smart positioning for two Grade A looks.
Brock Boeser (B+)
Backhander on opening goal. Sprung Sherwood for goal. Three shots. Two points.
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Drew O’Connor (B-)
Hit post on rush. Drove hard to net to draw penalty. Four big hits. Best game.
Aatu Raty
Good forechecking, good slot chance. Two shots. Won 57 per cent of draws
Kiefer Sherwood (A)
Whipped through slot to score. OT winner. Five shots. Four hits. Full throttle.
Arshdeep Bains (B)
Wheeled through slot for good scoring chance. Responsible play on fourth line
Max Sasson (B)
See above. Logged just 7:14 but knew his role. Some times tough stuff wins games.
Linus Karlsson (B)
Ditto. Followed fourth-line credo. Forechecked hard. Knew his role, Got to net.
Marcus Pettersson (B-)
Sound positioning game but late game slashing penalty allowed Oil to tie game
Filip Hronek (B)
Took a heavy hit and laboured through a tough night. Logged massive 28:19.
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Elias (D-Petey) Pettersson (C)
Played physical along the walls. Learned can’t stop McDavid with stick check.
Tyler Myers (C+)
Couldn’t get puck out along wall on Roslovic goal cut lead to 3-2. Can’t do that.
Pierre-Olivier Joseph (C+)
Had an early scoring chance and didn’t look out of place on the left side.
Victor Mancini (C+)
Was having a good night with smart decisions, aggressive play before injury
Thatcher Demko (B+)
Oilers kept going glove side, he kept denying them. Head on swivel, 26 saves.
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