“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.’ \u2014 Canucks winger Jake DeBrusk<\/p>\n
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Published Nov 09, 2025 \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 Last updated 2\u00a0hours ago \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 4 minute read<\/p>\n
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Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events.Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account.The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.<\/p>\n REGISTER \/ SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.<\/p>\n THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.<\/p>\n Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an Account<\/p>\n or<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n That could have been the disclaimer when Kevin Lankinen learned he\u2019d 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.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n While Thatcher Demko<\/a> continues the plan to ensure he\u2019s rested and ready to resume the condensed-schedule slog \u2014 he could play Tuesday against the Winnipeg Jets \u2014 it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Advertisement 3<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Canucks Report<\/p>\n Thanks for signing up!<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Advertisement 4<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s a really good team over there for a reason and they come at you in waves,\u201d said DeBrusk. \u201cIt was good of us to get a point but we wanted the two. We\u2019ll take the positives. We stuck in there with them and guys are getting more used to playing with each other an we\u2019re getting more O-zone time.\u201d<\/p>\n Advertisement 5<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n As for MacKinnon, you knew what was coming. He\u2019s that good and that hard to deny.<\/p>\n \u201cSometimes, when you have a guy like MacKinnon, you overdo it and teams double up, and not on purpose to stop him, but you\u2019ve got to let that 1-on-1 take place and take back ice because that\u2019s where he burns you.\u201d warned Canucks head coach Adam Foote. \u201cWe have to recognize what their strengths are \u2014 quick team, fast team \u2014 and making sure we\u2019re respective that and staying on top of things<\/p>\n \u201cBut we also have to play our game and we\u2019re getting better in the O-zone.\u201d<\/p>\n 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\u2019t changed the starter\u2019s drive.<\/p>\n Advertisement 6<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n \u201cHe wants to play so bad,\u201d stressed Foote. \u201cWe\u2019re thinking the long haul and the schedule.\u201d<\/p>\n 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\u2019re starting to play better for longer stretches and they passed a litmus test Sunday. The Avs can bury you in a hurry.<\/p>\n The Canucks didn\u2019t let than happen.<\/p>\n \u201cI liked the resilience,\u201d said Foote. \u201cThey\u2019re a team that capitalizes on small mistakes and it was a good game. In our 3-on-3, we didn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll address it. It\u2019s slight. You\u2019re playing against a team like that and leading the league and we\u2019re learning.\u201d<\/p>\n Advertisement 7<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Evander Kane (B)<\/p>\n He\u2019s 34, looked 24. Lots of jump. Dangled. Partial break. Three good goal looks. Got involved. Bad trip in third.<\/p>\n Elias Pettersson<\/a> (B+)<\/p>\n Often drew tough MacKinnon matchup, four shots, eight attempts, two blocks, won 62 per cent of draws.<\/p>\n Conor Garland<\/a> (B)<\/p>\n Treated like a pi\u00f1ata by Avs. Took lickings, kept cooking. Dress penalties. Creative. Two shots, six attempts.<\/p>\n Brock Boeser<\/a> (B)<\/p>\n Had his best looks on the power play, but couldn\u2019t connect. Two shots and six attempts.<\/p>\n Lukas Reichel (C)<\/p>\n Knocked off puck along the wall to give Avs good O-zone time, bad outlet pass picked off.<\/p>\n Kiefer Sherwood (B)<\/p>\n Made up for stick check on MacKinnon PP goal with his 10th with shovel to make it 2-2.<\/p>\n Drew O\u2019Connor (B+)<\/p>\n Advertisement 8<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Short-handed beauty to make it 3-2. Dove out to try shovel loose puck home. Responsible.<\/p>\n Aatu Raty (B)<\/p>\n Crushed it in circle. Won a whopping 73 per cent of faceoffs. Nearly scored.<\/p>\n Jake DeBrusk (B)<\/p>\n Deft PP deflection to make it 4-4. Around puck. Hounded, set up plays, three shots.<\/p>\n Arshdeep Bains<\/a> (C)<\/p>\n Has the speed, but so do the Avs. Not a lot of ice as Canucks pressed for equalizer.<\/p>\n Max Sasson (C)<\/p>\n Easy outlet pass picked off. Fourth line challenged to negate speedy Avs. Tough night.<\/p>\n Linus Karlsson (B)<\/p>\n Check highlight reels for between-the-legs goal. Three shots, seven attempts. Confident.<\/p>\n Quinn Hughes<\/a> (A)<\/p>\n Relished Makar challenge. Speed, wheels, deals, scoring chances. Seven shots, 11 attempts.<\/p>\n Filip Hronek<\/a> (C+)<\/p>\n Advertisement 9<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n On for both Avs goals. Had trouble with pressure to move pucks, iced puck in frustration.<\/p>\n Marcus Pettersson (C+)<\/p>\n Avs tested his positioning and passing out of own zone. Three turnovers. Not his best.<\/p>\n![\"Linus](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2245418722_299790582.jpg\")
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<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/dcs-static.gprod.postmedia.digital\/19.9.2\/websites\/images\/identity\/logo-identity-vp.svg\"){kind=logo}
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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<\/p>\n