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“It was good of us to get a point but we wanted the two. We’ll take the positives. We stuck in there with them.’ — Canucks winger Jake DeBrusk
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Published Nov 09, 2025 • Last updated 2 hours ago • 4 minute read
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Linus Karlsson scores a goal on Mackenzie Blackwood of the Colorado Avalanche during the first period at Rogers Arena on November 9, 2025. Photo by Derek Cain /Getty ImagesArticle content
Be careful what you wish for.
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That could have been the disclaimer when Kevin Lankinen learned he’d be starting his second-straight game on successive nights Sunday against the league-leading Colorado Avalanche, who are crushing the opposition with an envious collection of speed, skill, depth and finish.
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While Thatcher Demko continues the plan to ensure he’s rested and ready to resume the condensed-schedule slog — he could play Tuesday against the Winnipeg Jets — it’s Lankinen who had to tame a two-headed monster in Nathan MacKinnon and linemate Martin Necas. They have combined for 23 goals and 47 points for the 10-1-5 Avalanche, who torched the Oilers 9-1 in Edmonton on Saturday.
MacKinnon struck twice Sunday in a span of 1:29 of the opening period and added three assists to set the tone in a 5-4 overtime Avalanche triumph. His 14 goals lead the league and his 29 points are also tops. The issue was settled when Gavin Brindley scored at 1:08 of extra time.
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However, the Canucks twice rallied from a third-period deficit to force overtime on a power play redirect goal by Jake DeBrusk with 3:01 left.
“That’s a really good team over there for a reason and they come at you in waves,” said DeBrusk. “It was good of us to get a point but we wanted the two. We’ll take the positives. We stuck in there with them and guys are getting more used to playing with each other an we’re getting more O-zone time.”
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As for MacKinnon, you knew what was coming. He’s that good and that hard to deny.
“Sometimes, when you have a guy like MacKinnon, you overdo it and teams double up, and not on purpose to stop him, but you’ve got to let that 1-on-1 take place and take back ice because that’s where he burns you.” warned Canucks head coach Adam Foote. “We have to recognize what their strengths are — quick team, fast team — and making sure we’re respective that and staying on top of things
“But we also have to play our game and we’re getting better in the O-zone.”
Demko did the shutdown deed last season. In a 25-save shutout performance for a 3-0 triumph on Feb. 4, he turned aside MacKinnon and Necas, who combined for eight shots and 16 attempts. As for the now, the plan is in place but it hasn’t changed the starter’s drive.
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“He wants to play so bad,” stressed Foote. “We’re thinking the long haul and the schedule.”
As for the rest of the club, there was some needed mojo after MacKinnon put heads of a swivel. The game could have easily got away from the Canucks, but they’re starting to play better for longer stretches and they passed a litmus test Sunday. The Avs can bury you in a hurry.
The Canucks didn’t let than happen.
“I liked the resilience,” said Foote. “They’re a team that capitalizes on small mistakes and it was a good game. In our 3-on-3, we didn’t wedge twice and kind of got off it. It happens at this level when you want to win so bad and players want to get after it and try too much.
“We’ll address it. It’s slight. You’re playing against a team like that and leading the league and we’re learning.”
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Mackenzie Blackwood makes a save as teammate Cale Makar defends against Max Sasson during the first period Photo by Derek Cain /Getty ImagesREPORT CARDS
Evander Kane (B)
He’s 34, looked 24. Lots of jump. Dangled. Partial break. Three good goal looks. Got involved. Bad trip in third.
Elias Pettersson (B+)
Often drew tough MacKinnon matchup, four shots, eight attempts, two blocks, won 62 per cent of draws.
Conor Garland (B)
Treated like a piñata by Avs. Took lickings, kept cooking. Dress penalties. Creative. Two shots, six attempts.
Brock Boeser (B)
Had his best looks on the power play, but couldn’t connect. Two shots and six attempts.
Lukas Reichel (C)
Knocked off puck along the wall to give Avs good O-zone time, bad outlet pass picked off.
Kiefer Sherwood (B)
Made up for stick check on MacKinnon PP goal with his 10th with shovel to make it 2-2.
Drew O’Connor (B+)
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Short-handed beauty to make it 3-2. Dove out to try shovel loose puck home. Responsible.
Aatu Raty (B)
Crushed it in circle. Won a whopping 73 per cent of faceoffs. Nearly scored.
Jake DeBrusk (B)
Deft PP deflection to make it 4-4. Around puck. Hounded, set up plays, three shots.
Arshdeep Bains (C)
Has the speed, but so do the Avs. Not a lot of ice as Canucks pressed for equalizer.
Max Sasson (C)
Easy outlet pass picked off. Fourth line challenged to negate speedy Avs. Tough night.
Linus Karlsson (B)
Check highlight reels for between-the-legs goal. Three shots, seven attempts. Confident.
Quinn Hughes (A)
Relished Makar challenge. Speed, wheels, deals, scoring chances. Seven shots, 11 attempts.
Filip Hronek (C+)
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On for both Avs goals. Had trouble with pressure to move pucks, iced puck in frustration.
Marcus Pettersson (C+)
Avs tested his positioning and passing out of own zone. Three turnovers. Not his best.
Tyler Myers (B-)
Needless slash led to PP goal. Got away with cross-check. Two assists. Three blocks.
Elias (D-Petey) Pettersson (B-)
Getting better at getting point shots through first layer. Compete always there.
Tom Willander (B-)
Third-period gaffe for partial break, holding minor, mostly solid. Good on PP2 point.
Kevin Lankinen (B+)
Game could have easily got away. Kept his cool. Kept club in it. Thwarted late flurry.
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