Game Notes: Canucks at Blackhawks

CANUCKS AT BLACKHAWKS

TV: Sportsnet, NBC Sports Chicago, NHL Network

Radio: Sportsnet 650

MATCH-UP INFO

• Tonight marks the first of three meetings between the Canucks and Blackhawks this season: Dec. 17 (road), Jan. 22 (home) and Feb. 13 (road).

• Vancouver is 89-83-22-7 all-time against Chicago, including a 34-52-7-6 record on the road.

• The Canucks are 8-2-0 in their last 10 games against the Blackhawks (4-1-0 in their last 5).

• J.T. Miller leads all active Canucks skaters in scoring against Chicago with 16 points (3-13-16) in 20 career games.

• Brock Boeser has recorded 13 points (4-9-13) in 13 career games against the Blackhawks.

• Thatcher Demko is 3-1-0 with a 1.01 GAA and a .966 SV% in four career games against the Blackhawks.

• In three career games (1-2-0), Casey DeSmith has a 3.72 GAA and a .876 SV% all-time against Chicago.

QUICK NUMBERS

• Quinn Hughes has registered 13 points (3-10-13) in his last 15 games, totaling 39 points overall (9-30-39). He is 1st in the league for points amongst defencemen and ranks t-1st in the league for assists amongst all skaters.
• J.T. Miller has 43 points overall this season (15-28-43) and has 17 points (5-12-17) in his last 15 games. He ranks 2nd in the league for points.
• Brock Boeser has scored 22 goals this season, ranking 2nd in the league. His 36 points (22-14-36) this season places him 5th in the league among primary right wingers.
• Elias Pettersson has 10 points (3-7-10) in his last 10 games.
• Thatcher Demko has recorded three shutouts this season, tied for the most in the league.
• The Vancouver Canucks are currently 2nd in the Western Conference and t-2nd in the league. They also have the highest goal differential (+41) in the league. The Canucks currently have the most wins (17) when leading after two periods and have scored the first goal of the game 20 times, 1st in the NHL. They also have the most wins (16) when scoring first.

LAST MEETING – APR. 6/23: VAN 3 vs CHI 0

Andrei Kuzmenko netted the Canucks’ first goal of the game for the 12th time this season (most on the team) at 16:16 in the first period...Elias Pettersson recorded the first assist and Akito Hirose collected the second assist for his first career NHL point in just his third game played...Vitali Kravtsov scored his first goal as a Canuck at 3:53 in the second period, assisted by Conor Garland and Hirose, who registered a two-point game (0-2-2)...J.T. Miller secured the victory with an empty net goal for his 30th of the season at 19:35 in the third period, assisted by Brock Boeser and Tyler Myers...Boeser led all Canucks in shots (5), while Myers led in blocks (4) and co-led in hits with Kravtsov (5)...Thatcher Demko made 33 saves for his first shutout of the season and third of his career.

2023.24 TEAM RANKS

LAST GAME PLAYED – DEC. 16/23, VAN 1 at MIN 2 (SO)

Teddy Blueger tied the game at one apiece at 3:50 in the second period with his third goal of the season to force OT...Dakota Joshua and Conor Garland recorded assists on the goal...Elias Pettersson led the team in shots (7)...Noah Juulsen led the team in hits (3)...Casey DeSmith faced 31 shots and saved 30.

LAST 5 - vs CHICAGO

• Apr. 6/23: VAN 3 vs CHI 0

• Mar. 26/23: VAN 4 at CHI 2

• Jan. 24/23: VAN 5 vs CHI 2

• Jan. 31/22: VAN 3 at CHI 1

• Nov. 21/21: VAN 0 vs CHI 1

SETTING RECORDS

• After their win on Dec. 14/23 vs FLA, the Vancouver Canucks (30 GP) set a franchise record for fewest games needed to reach 20 wins in a season. The previous record was set in 2005.06 in 31 games.

BOES-EMBER

• Brock Boeser recorded a nine-game point streak lasting from Nov. 25/23 to Dec. 14/23. This point streak matched the longest of his career, he also recorded his second natural hattrick of the season during this stretch.

• With his 22nd tally of the season on Dec. 14/23 vs FLA, Boeser became the fifth Canuck to record 22+ goals through 30 games, joining Pavel Bure (25, 1992.93), Alexander Mogilny (23, 1995.96), Tony Tanti (23, 1983.84), and Bo Horvat (22, 2022.23).

• Through Dec. 14 (30 games), Brock Boeser has doubled his power play points (6 to 12), tripled his shooting percentage (9.4% to 27.5%) and nearly quadrupled his goal total (6 to 22) from 2022.23 to 2023.24 and is on-pace for a career-high 98 points.

• Brock Boeser (29 GP) became the 6th fastest player in franchise history to reach 20 goals in a season. Pavel Bure paces the list (19 GP, 1992.92). Boeser is also the 6th player to complete this feat in under 30 games.

• After his natural hat trick on Dec. 12/23 vs TBL, Boeser became the 9th player in Canucks franchise history to have five career hat tricks with the club, he also ranks t-6th for most hat tricks in franchise history. Boeser is also the first player since Petri Skriko in 1986.87 to have two natural hat tricks in a season.

• Brock Boeser’s seven power-play goals in November ranks t-4th for most power-play goals in a single calendar month since 2013.14.

• After recording two goals on Nov. 28/23 vs ANA, Brock Boeser (17 goals) ranks t-4th for most goals scored in a players first 23 games of a season in Canucks franchise history. Pavel Bure (23), Tony Tanti (20) and Alexander Mogilny (20) are the only players in franchise history with more goals in 23 games.

MOVING UP THE LIDST

• After recording three assists in a 4-1 win on Dec. 12/23 vs TBL, Quinn Hughes (245 assists in 312 GP) became third all- time in assists amongst defencemen in Canucks franchise history, passing Doug Lidster. Hughes completed this feat in 354 less games than Lidster (242 assists in 666 GP).

GAME-WINNING PETEY

• Elias Pettersson has recorded 21 games with at least 1 goal and 2 assists after his three-point game on Dec. 9/23 vs CAR. He ranks t-4th for most such games in Canucks franchise history.

• After recording the GWG on Dec. 9/23 vs CAR, Elias Pettersson recorded the 26th GWG of his career. He tied Thomas Gradin for the 9th most in franchise history.

• By recording 3 points (1-2-3) on Dec. 9/23 vs CAR, Pettersson (29 games) ranks fourth for most 3+ point performances by a Canucks player in their first 6 seasons. Pavel Bure (37), Thomas Gradin (35) and Patrick Sundstrom (30) all pace the list.

MILLER THE MAGNIFICENT

• After his two-point game vs. TBL on Dec. 12/23, J.T. Miller now has his 13th multi-point game of the 2023.24 season, tied with four players for fourth place in the league.

• After registering two assists on Dec. 12/23 vs TBL, J.T. Miller (42 points 15-27-42) owns the Canucks franchise record for most points prior to the 30th game of the season. Tony Tanti held the previous record with 41 points in 1983.84.

• J.T. Miller matched the Canucks franchise record for fewest number of games needed to record 40 points (15-25-40, 28 GP), after scoring a goal on Dec. 9/23 vs CAR, joining Tony Tanti in 1983.84. Miller and Tanti are the only players in Canucks history to post 40 points in less than 30 games.

• After assisting on two goals on Nov. 28/23 vs ANA, Miller had 35 points this season in just 23 games. He ranks t-2nd for fewest games needed to reach that mark in a season in franchise history. Only Tony Tanti (21 GP) accomplished this feat faster.

TIK TOC

• Recording his 40th win as Canucks coach on Dec. 14 vs FLA, Rick Tocchet passed Tom Renney for 14th on the Canucks all-time coaching wins list.

• With his victory on Dec. 9/23 vs CAR, Rick Tocchet recorded his 216th career coaching victory, ranking him 77th on the all-time coaching wins list.

• On Dec. 5/23 vs NJD, Rick Tocchet coached his 500th game. He became the 7th person in NHL history to play in 1000 career NHL games and serve as the head coach in 500 career NHL games.

DESMITH WITH DESAVES

• Casey DeSmith recorded his first shutout with the Canucks and the 10th of his career on Dec.7/23 vs MIN. He also became the 36th goalie in Canucks franchise history to record a shutout.

FOUR OF A KIND

• On Dec. 5/23 vs NJD, the Canucks became the first team with four 30+ point players (J.T. Miller – 39, Quinn Hughes – 36, Elias Pettersson – 34, Brock Boeser – 30) in a season’s first 26 games since the 1995.96 Pittsburgh Penguins.

• Miller, Hughes, Pettersson and Boeser became the first quartet in NHL history to each register 25 points through the season’s first 23 games.

QUINNSANITY

• Quinn Hughes is t-1st for most multi-assist games by a Canucks defencemen (53 GP), he also ranks t-8th amongst all skaters. Hughes (17 GP) ranks t-4th for most 3+ assist games for a defencemen in their first six seasons in NHL history, Bobby Orr paces the list (31 GP).

• After recording a goal on Dec. 2/23 at CGY, Quinn Hughes extended his road point-streak to 11 games, becoming the sixth defenseman to complete this feat in the past 25 years.

• Hughes extended his point streak to 11 games after recording an assist on Nov. 25/23 at SJS. He matched the longest run by a defenceman in Canucks history.

• Quinn Hughes (22 points) set the Canucks franchise record for most points in a calendar month by a defenceman. Hughes (17 assists) also ranks t-8th for most assists by a Canuck in a single calendar month.

• Quinn Hughes (33 points, 8-25-33) ranks t-2nd in Canucks franchise history for most points by a player in their first 22 games of a season. Only Tony Tanti had more points in 22 games (35 points, 1983.84).

• Hughes recorded 25 assists in his first 22 games this season, with only two players in NHL history having done this faster: Bobby Orr 4x, (16 GP 1969.70, 19 GP 1973.74, 21 GP 1971.72 and 1974.75), and Ray Bourque (21 GP 1989.90). Randy Carlyle also completed this feat (22 GP, 1981.82).

• On Nov. 22/23 at COL, Quinn Hughes (5-16-21, November 2023) became the second player in Canucks franchise history to have 20 points in a single calendar month. Dennis Kearns is the only Canuck to complete this feat (1-20-21, March 1977)

DIALED IN DEMKO

• Thatcher Demko stopped 36 shots for his third shutout of the season and sixth of his career on Dec. 14/23 vs FLA. He is currently t-7th for most shutouts in Canucks franchise history with Richard Brodeur, Garth Snow and Eddie Lack.

• Demko became the first goaltender to record 15 wins in the NHL this season. Demko (22 GP) is the third goaltender in Canucks franchise history to complete this feat in 22 or fewer games. Ryan Miller (18 GP, 2014.15) and Cory Schneider (22 GP, 2010.11) are the only other goalies in franchise history to complete this feat.

• Thatcher Demko (15 GP) ranks third for fewest number of games to record 10 wins in a season in Canucks franchise history. Ryan Miller (13 GP, 2014.15) and Kirk McLean (14 GP, 1991.92) are the only other goalies to do it faster.

• Demko recorded his second shutout of the season and fifth of his career in the 2-0 win on Nov. 4/23 vs DAL. This marked the first time he has recorded two shutouts in the same season.

2023.24 CANUCKS MILESTONES

• Rick Tocchet coached his 500th career NHL game, Dec. 5 vs NJD

• Teddy Blueger recorded his 100th career point, Nov. 24 at SEA

• Conor Garland recorded his 200th career point, Nov. 24 at SEA

• Andrei Kuzmenko appeared in his 100th NHL game, Nov. 22 at COL

• Quinn Hughes appeared in his 300th NHL game, Nov. 16 at CGY

• Linus Karlsson appeared in his first NHL game, Nov. 16 at CGY

• Ilya Mikheyev appeared in his 200th NHL game, Nov. 6 vs EDM

• Elias Pettersson recorded his 200th career assist, Nov. 2 at SJS

• Anthony Beauvillier appeared in his 500th NHL game, Nov. 2 at SJS

• Brock Boeser appeared in his 400th NHL game, Oct. 14 at EDM

• Rick Tocchet recorded his 200th career win, Oct. 14 at EDM

RECENT TRANSACTIONS

• Nick Cicek and a sixth-round pick (2024) acquired from San Jose in exchange for Jack Studnicka, Dec. 15.

• Pius Suter activated off IR, Dec 14

• Linus Karlsson reassigned to Abbotsford, Dec 9

• Matt Irwin reassigned to Abbotsford, Dec. 2

• Nikita Zadorov acquired from Calgary in exchange for a fifth-round pick (2024) and a third-round pick (2026), Nov. 30

• Cole McWard reassigned to Abbotsford, Nov. 29

• Linus Karlsson recalled from Abbotsford, Nov. 29

• Matt Irwin recalled from Abbotsford, Nov. 29

• Akito Hirose reassigned to Abbotsford, Nov. 29

• Conditional fifth-round pick (2024) acquired from Chicago in exchange for Anthony Beauvillier, Nov. 28

• Cole McWard recalled from Abbotsford, Nov. 24

• Nils Åman recalled from Abbotsford, Nov. 24

• Pius Suter placed on IR, Nov. 24

• Carson Soucy placed on LTIR, Nov. 24

THE LAST TIME...

• The Canucks won when leading after 1P: Dec. 14/23 vs FLA

• The Canucks lost when leading after 1P: Nov. 18/23 vs SEA

• The Canucks lost in OT/SO when leading after 1P: Mar. 31/23 vs CGY

• The Canucks won when leading after 2P: Dec. 14/23 vs FLA

• The Canucks lost when leading after 2P: Oct. 17/22 at WSH

• The Canucks lost in OT/SO when leading after 2P: Mar. 31/23 vs CGY

• The Canucks won when trailing after 1P: Nov. 15/23 vs NYI

• The Canucks lost when trailing after 1P: Dec. 5/23 vs NJD

• The Canucks lost in OT/SO when trailing after 1P: Dec. 16/23 at MIN

• The Canucks won when trailing after 2P: Nov. 15/23 vs NYI

• The Canucks lost when trailing after 2P: Dec. 5/23 vs NJD

• The Canucks lost in OT/SO when trailing after 2P: Mar. 28/23 at STL

• The Canucks won when tied after 1P: Dec. 12/23 vs TBL

• The Canucks lost when tied after 1P: Nov. 25/23 at SJS

• The Canucks lost in OT/SO when tied after 1P: Mar. 28/23 at STL

• The Canucks won when tied after 2P: Nov. 28/23 vs ANA

• The Canucks lost when tied after 2P: Nov. 25/23 at SJS

• The Canucks lost in OT/SO when tied after 2P: Dec. 16/23 at MIN

2023.24 SEASON HIGHS AND LOWS

• Most Goals Scored, Game: 10, Nov. 2/23 at SJS

• Most Goals Scored, Period: 4, 2x, Nov. 2/23 at SJS, 1st and 2nd period

• Most Goals Allowed, Game: 6, Dec. 5/23 vs NJD

• Most Goals Allowed, Period: 4, Dec. 5/23 vs NJD, 1st period

• Fewest Goals Scored, Game: 0, Oct. 17 at PHI

• Fewest Goals Allowed, Game: 0, 4x, Latest Dec. 14/23 vs FLA

• Most PPG Scored, Game: 4, Nov. 2/23 at SJS

• Most PPG Allowed, Game: 3, Oct. 28/23 vs NYR

• Most SHG Scored, Game: 1, 4x, Latest Nov. 24/23 at SEA

• Most SHG Allowed, Game: 0

• Most Shots, Game: 43, Nov. 15/23 vs NYI

• Most Shots, Period: 19, Oct. 27/23 vs STL, 1st period

• Fewest Shots, Game: 16, 2x, Latest Nov. 9/23 at OTT

• Fewest Shots, Period: 1, Dec. 14/23 vs FLA, 3rd period

• Most Shots Allowed, Game: 44, Nov. 30/23 vs VGK

• Most Shots Allowed, Period: 22, Oct. 17/23 at PHI, 2nd period

• Fewest Shots Allowed, Game: 18, Oct. 24/23 at NSH

• Fewest Shots Allowed, Period: 2, Nov. 24/23 at SEA, 3rd period

• Most Hits, Game: 33, 2x, Latest Dec. 5/23 vs NJD

• Fewest Hits, Game: 7, Nov. 2/23 at SJS

• Most Blocked Shots, Game: 25, Oct. 14/23 at EDM

• Fewest Blocked Shots, Game: 2, Oct. 27/23 vs STL

• Largest Margin of Victory: 9 goals, Nov. 2/23 at SJS (10-1 W)

• Largest Margin of Defeat: 3 goals, 4x, Latest Nov. 30/23 vs VGK

• Longest Win Streak: 5 games, Oct. 31/23 – Nov. 9/23

• Longest Point Streak: 9 games, Oct. 21/23 – Nov. 9/23

• Longest Winless Streak: 2 games, 2x, Latest Nov. 16/23 - Nov. 18/23

• Longest Pointless Streak: 2 games, 2x, Latest Nov. 16/23 - Nov. 18/23

VANCOUVER 2023.24 RECORD WHEN...

• Score 4+ Goals: 15-1-0

• Score 3 Goals or Less: 5-8-2

• Allow 4+ Goals: 0-8-1

• Allow 3 Goals or Less: 20-1-1

• Scoring First: 16-4-0

• Allowing First Goal: 4-5-2

• On 0 Days Rest: 1-2-1

• On 1 Day Rest: 10-5-1

• On 2 Days Rest: 8-2-0

• On 3+ Days Rest: 1-0-0

• Score a PPG: 11-4-1

• Give up a PPG: 10-5-1

• 25 or More Shots on Goal: 12-6-2

• Less than 25 shots: 8-3-0

THREE STARS - DECEMBER

• Mikheyev – 10 pts

• Boeser – 10 pts

• Demko – 10 pts

• DeSmith – 10 pts

• Pettersson – 5 pts

• Hughes – 5 pts

• Hronek – 5 pts

• Garland – 5 pts

• Höglander – 5 pts

• Lafferty – 5 pts

• Joshua – 5 pts

• Garland – 5 pts

<strong>NOVEMBER WINNER</strong> – Hughes, Demko (30 pts) <strong>OCTOBER WINNER</strong> – Pettersson (15 pts)  
<em>*5 points are awarded for each Three Stars selection</em>