Canucks 4, Wild 2: Raty Leads the Way
The Vancouver Canucks finally got a win to break a rough stretch, beating the Minnesota Wild 4-2 at Rogers Arena on Saturday. Aatu Räty stole the show with two goals and an assist, making the most of a bigger role after Elias Pettersson was a late scratch with an upper-body injury. Nikita Tolopilo made 28 saves, giving the Canucks a steady net presence and helping the team end its five-game slide.
Minnesota got on the board first when Matt Boldy converted a 2-on-1 from Mats Zuccarello early in the first, but Vancouver kept pressing. Tom Willander scored his first NHL goal in the second to tie it, and young blueliner Elias Pettersson returned from the scratch list to put the Canucks ahead 2-1. Räty added two more goals—one on a 2-on-1 rush and another off a takeaway—and suddenly Vancouver had control.
The big story here isn’t just the goals, though. The Canucks were playing smart hockey, moving the puck well, and giving Tolopilo a chance to make saves when needed. After a rough stretch, it felt good to see the young players step up and the team finally get a win at home.
Key Point One: The Canucks’ Aatu Räty Breaks Out
Räty made the most of the opportunity with Pettersson out. He had a goal and assist in the second, then added another in the third, showing a knack for being in the right place at the right time.
Key Point Two: Young Canucks’ Players Making a Difference
Willander got his first NHL goal, Pettersson scored, and the rookie defensemen were buzzing. These are the kinds of contributions Vancouver needs if it’s going to get out of this slump.
Key Point Three: Vancouver Goalie Tolopilo Keeps It Together
Tolopilo stopped 28 shots, including a few tough chances early, letting the Canucks play their game and stay in it until the offense caught up. That calm presence in the net made a big difference.
Final Thoughts from the Canucks’ Perspective
This was a win that felt like a little reset. The Canucks got goals from the top and the rookies, played smart in their own end, and finally got rewarded. Minnesota kept pushing, but Vancouver stayed patient and took advantage of the chances that came their way.
There’s still work to do. One night does not fix the Canucks’ problems down the middle. Pettersson’s injury is a concern, and the team will need more consistent finishing—but this one showed they can respond when things go against them. If they keep moving the puck, crash the net, and trust Tolopilo, the Canucks might be able to string a few wins together.