Since January 1, the Vancouver Canucks have scored the fewest goals per game in the NHL, while the Winnipeg Jets have allowed the fewest goals against per game in the NHL. As the Canucks headed into Tuesday night’s game against the Jets, it seemed predestined by the numbers that the Canucks would get shut out or score, at most, two goals, likely in a 3-2 loss. The Canucks are not a team designed to score goals in bunches; the Jets are not a team designed to give up goals in bunches.
So, of course, facing the presumptive Vezina Trophy winner in Connor Hellebuyck, the Canucks lit him up for five goals on 21 shots, then added a sixth goal into the empty net for good measure. It was just the third time all season the Canucks have scored six goals in a game. The previous two times were against the Chicago Blackhawks, who are objectively terrible.
Somehow they did it against arguably the best team in the NHL. It certainly helped that Brock Boeser awoke from his slumber and played like the star he’s capable of being. Boeser finished the game with two goals and an assist, not to mention drawing a penalty, throwing two hits, and creating some dangerous chances off the rush that didn’t quite find the back of the net.
He and his linemates, Elias Pettersson and Nils Höglander, looked like a legitimate first line, something the Canucks have rarely had this season. “I thought we were really connected tonight,” said Boeser. “Even on the forechecks, I thought we were working ha.