Effort earns the win
It was far from a great defensive duel on Thursday night, but the offensive effort the Canucks put forward was something special to witness. Up against a team that has had the best of the Canucks in the past, Vancouver was able to have an answer for everything thrown in their direction.
When Kane and company earned the Blackhawks a two-goal lead, Hughes and Pettersson were there to respond in quick fashion. When the refs missed an interference on Hughes that ultimately led to Kane tying the game, Gaudette was there to give Vancouver the lead again.
Every time the Blackhawks managed to extract life from the Canucks, they regrouped, responded quickly and powered life back into Rogers Arena and the fans. It was an all-around team effort that screamed, “Never die.”
Final thoughts
The Canucks enter the new year in style, extending their winning streak to six games. Vancouver continues to knock off the better, more experienced teams of the NHL while gaining speed in the Pacific Division race.
Vancouver ends their homestand on Saturday when they welcome the New York Rangers to Rogers Arena for 90s Night in a 1994 Stanley Cup Final rematch.