Last Night in Canadian Hockey – Dec. 17: Maple Leafs, Canadiens, Canucks, Oilers & Flames
It was a mixed bag for Canada’s NHL teams on Tuesday night. Some squads showed flashes of brilliance, others battled through adversity, and a few left fans thinking about what could have been. From Toronto’s late-game heroics to Vancouver’s shutout performance, there was plenty to dissect. Each team brought its own storyline, from milestones to struggles, and if you want a deeper dive, follow the links below each summary for the complete game review.
Canadian teams are in different spots right now: some are building momentum, some are retooling on the fly, and all are fighting for identity as the season heads toward the midpoint. One thing was clear—there was no shortage of excitement, drama, and moments that reminded us why we watch these teams night after night.
Toronto Maple Leafs 3, Chicago Blackhawks 2: Third-Period Surge
Last night at Scotiabank Arena, the Toronto Maple Leafs pulled off a stunning third-period rally to beat the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2. Trailing 2-0 for much of the game, the Maple Leafs finally found their rhythm late in the third, with Auston Matthews and Dakota Joshua scoring just eight seconds apart to complete the comeback. Joseph Woll, returning from injury, made 23 key saves to keep Toronto alive before the surge.
Chicago struck early with Wyatt Kaiser and Jason Dickinson scoring, but the Leafs refused to fold. William Nylander’s puck theft set up Matthews’ power-play goal at 16:51, and Joshua quickly followed at 16:59 to put Toronto ahead. The arena roared, showing the potential of this roster when skill and instinct are allowed to take the reins.
Maple Leafs 3, Blackhawks 2: Huge Third-Period Comeback
Montreal Canadiens 1, Philadelphia Flyers 4: Early Lead, Late Collapse
The Montreal Canadiens had reason to feel optimistic early at the Bell Centre. Alexandre Texier gave them a 1-0 lead late in the first period, but the Flyers’ quick responses from Trevor Zegras, Carl Grundstrom, and Bobby Brink turned the game. Jacob Fowler, making just his third NHL start, stopped 17 shots but couldn’t change the outcome.
Montreal showed flashes—Texier’s early goal and Fowler’s steady play—but defensive lapses and turnovers opened the door for Philadelphia. The game was a reminder of the fine line between good nights and losses for a team still searching for consistency.
Flyers 4, Canadiens 1: Late Surge Dumps Habs
Vancouver Canucks 3, New York Rangers 0: Demko Stands Tall
The Vancouver Canucks walked out of Madison Square Garden with a 3-0 win, still adjusting after the Quinn Hughes trade. Thatcher Demko was flawless in net, stopping all 23 shots. Evander Kane’s early goal set the tone, and Liam Ohgren and Conor Garland added crucial markers, including a short-handed empty-netter.
The Canucks didn’t just defend—they dictated pace, showing that even without Hughes on the blue line, they can compete. Demko’s calm in net and the depth scoring proved the Canucks can keep rolling with smart, steady hockey.
Canucks 3, Rangers 0: Demko Stands Tall
Edmonton Oilers 6, Pittsburgh Penguins 4: Draisaitl Hits 1,000
Leon Draisaitl passed 1,000 career NHL points with an assist on Zach Hyman’s opening goal, and Edmonton rode that energy to a 6-4 win over the Penguins. Connor McDavid added two goals and two assists, while Evan Bouchard, Vasily Podkolzin, and McDavid’s empty-netter sealed the win.
Draisaitl’s milestone was matched by McDavid’s relentless pace and vision. The Oilers’ depth came through, particularly on special teams, showing the team’s potential to dominate when timing, poise, and execution align.
Oilers 6, Penguins 4: Draisaitl Hits 1,000
Calgary Flames 3, San Jose Sharks 6: Flames Battle, Fall Short
The Calgary Flames fought hard at SAP Center, but San Jose’s speed and opportunism pulled them ahead, 6-3. Blake Coleman, Ryan Lomberg, and Nazem Kadri scored, and Dustin Wolf made some key saves, but defensive misreads allowed Celebrini and Goodrow to capitalize. Tyler Toffoli hit his 300th NHL goal.
Even in defeat, Calgary showed grit. Coleman and Kadri provided sparks, Wolf held the fort, and the team reminded fans that talent and heart are there—it’s just about putting it together consistently.