Best of the Best: February 2018

From Boeser's sensational goal against the Lightning to Leipsic's impressive debut, the Canucks made some terrific plays this past month. Here is the best of the best from February.

Best Goal

Boeser snipes Vasilevskiy vs. Lightning (02/03/18)
The Tampa Bay Lightning are an Eastern Conference powerhouse, but that didn't stop rookie sensation Brock Boeser from wiring a shot past Vezina Trophy candidate Andrei Vasilevskiy in Vancouver's second game of the month. With the Canucks trailing 3-1 late in the third period, Boeser took a pass from Brandon Sutter in the defensive zone before turning and immediately darting up-ice. The 21-year-old showcased some tremendous speed by weaving through the zone, blowing by blueliner Anton Stralman and then beating Vasilevskiy with a lethal release from the right faceoff circle. It was the 25th goal of the season for Boeser, who scored in both of Vancouver's two games against Tampa Bay. Boeser's excellent rookie campaign continued in February, as the youngster got on the scoresheet in eight of 13 contests.

Best Assist

Leipsic dangles and dishes to Goldobin vs. Rangers (02/28/18)
It didn't take long for newcomer Brendan Leipsic to make an impact. The Canucks acquired the 23-year-old forward at the trade deadline from Vegas in exchange for defenceman Philip Holm. With the Canucks trailing the Rangers 4-3 in the final game of the month, Leipsic took a pass from Bo Horvat at the blueline before walking in and dangling around opposing forward Mats Zuccarello. After getting the puck to Nikolay Goldobin, Leipsic exemplified some strong hockey intelligence by pivoting to the right faceoff circle and making himself wide-open. The Canucks cycled the puck back to Leipsic, who faked a one-time shot before sending a perfect cross-ice feed back to Goldobin. Leipsic's crafty moves and strong vision led to Goldobin beating goaltender Henrik Lundqvist for the game-tying goal. It was a debut to remember for Leipsic, who finished with two assists and seven shots on goal in his first game with Vancouver.

Best Save

Nilsson robs Bruins' Krejci with the glove (02/17/18)
The Canucks exploded for six goals in their February matchup with the Bruins, but that doesn't mean goaltender Anders Nilsson wasn't busy. The Swedish netminder made 44 saves in arguably his best performance of the season to lead the Canucks to victory. Jacob Markstrom was scheduled to start the game after Nilsson recently played against San Jose, but he felt ill after morning skate, leading to a surprise start for Nilsson. Boston tried to mount a comeback in the third period, but Nilsson made 18 saves in the final frame to earn his first win since Nov. 30. His best stop came on forward David Krejci midway through the period. After a turnover down low, the Bruins centered the puck to Krejci in the slot. The veteran center exhibited patience to move around blueliner Michael Del Zotto, but had his shot snagged by a diving and acrobatic Nilsson.

Best Fight

Archibald drops the glove with Canes' Dahlbeck in first game back (02/09/18)
Welcome back, Darren Archibald. The 27-year-old was recalled from the AHL Utica Comets early in the month after posting 16 points in 25 games with the farm club. The power forward wasted no time making his presence felt. The 6-foot-3, 210 lbs Archibald fought twice this past month, including in his first game back against Carolina. After a hard forecheck, Archibald laid out opposing blueliner Klas Dahlbeck with a big hit behind the Hurricanes net. Dahlbeck took exception to the hit and engaged Archibald in a scrap. The Canucks' forward was up for the challenge, answering the bell, landing several hard rights and appearing to win the tussle. Archibald also fought Brandon Carlo of the Bruins later in February, providing energy to the Canucks with his willingness to lay out the body and drop the gloves.

Best Accomplishment

D.Sedin makes history vs. Rangers (02/28/18)
There aren't many players in the NHL as consistent as veteran Canucks' forward Daniel Sedin. The Swedish winger scored his 20th goal of the season in the final game of the month against New York, passing Markus Naslund for most 20-goal seasons in Canucks history with 11. It was the seventh goal in seven games for Sedin, who racked up 13 points in 14 contests this past month. With the Canucks trailing the Rangers 3-2 in the second period, Daniel moved into the offensive zone and sent a cross-ice pass to brother Henrik. The captain had his centering attempt intercepted, but the puck came back out to Daniel in the high slot. The 37-year-old wired a shot past goaltender Henrik Lundqvist to reach the 20-goal mark for the 11th time in his NHL career.