Canucks 3, Rangers 0: Demko Stands Tall
The Vancouver Canucks walked out of Madison Square Garden Tuesday night with a 3-0 win over the Rangers, and for a team still adjusting after the Quinn Hughes trade, it felt like a bit of breathing room. Thatcher Demko was the story between the pipes, stopping all 23 shots for his first shutout of the season and the 10th of his career. From the first whistle, Vancouver showed it wasn’t going to be intimidated. Evander Kane struck just 1:46 in, and the Canucks carried that energy through three periods, finishing with Conor Garland’s short-handed empty-net goal to make the final margin feel comfortable.
Early on, the Rangers pressed and tested Demko, but Vancouver had answers. Linus Karlsson and Liam Ohgren moved the puck well, helping set up that crucial second-period goal. The team didn’t just defend; they dictated the pace. It wasn’t flashy, but it was smart, steady, and effective hockey—a statement that the Canucks can keep rolling even without Hughes on the blue line.
Key Point One: Thatcher Demko Controls the Game
From puck drop, Demko was steady and unshakable. He tracked the puck well, cut down angles, and handled traffic in front of him like he owned the crease. His calm presence let Vancouver play aggressively, confident that any mistake would be absorbed by a goalie in complete command.
Key Point Two: Dakota Ohgren Seizes the Moment
Ohgren’s second-period goal was a quiet little gem. He hustled to the puck off a Karlsson chip, got his shot through Quick’s pads, and the Canucks had a two-goal cushion. It wasn’t a highlight-reel move, but it was the kind of timely play a team needs when it’s still finding its footing.
Key Point Three: The Canucks’ Depth Comes Through
Evander Kane’s early strike set the tone, and Conor Garland’s short-handed goal put the exclamation mark on the night. Vancouver’s depth was clicking, and it showed that even amid roster changes, this team has players who can step up when it matters.
Final Thoughts from the Canucks’ Perspective
Tuesday night’s win was about more than just the score. It was about confidence, composure, and the reassurance that Vancouver can move forward despite losing a cornerstone player. Demko gave the team a foundation, and contributions from Ohgren, Kane, and Garland reminded everyone that the lineup has teeth. If the Canucks stay sharp on defence, clean up turnovers, and keep finding those timely plays, they can turn nights like this into a run of wins.