The Vancouver Canucks clawed their way back to a .500 record with a gritty 4-3 comeback victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Rogers Arena. The win was a crucial one for a team determined to stay in the playoff hunt, proving they can find a way to win even when not at their absolute best.
A Necessary Win Against a Tough Opponent
Facing a must-win scenario against a team like the Blue Jackets, the Canucks showed resilience after falling behind 2-1 in the second period. They battled back to secure the 4-3 win, with the decisive goal coming late in the game. While the performance highlighted areas for improvement, it also demonstrated the team's ability to grind out a result when it matters most.
The victory, however, comes with a note of caution. The doom and gloom take is that a similar performance is unlikely to suffice against the elite teams awaiting them. The Canucks immediately face a stern test against the Colorado Avalanche, who are the first of six consecutive cup contenders on Vancouver's schedule.
Player Performance Report Card
The Canucks received significant contributions from their top players, which was instrumental in the win.
Forwards
Elias Pettersson earned an A grade for a confident performance. He was strong on faceoffs and made a key feed to Tyler Myers that led to Conor Garland's goal, also making two critical late blocks.
Conor Garland also received an A for his tremendous work ethic. His great effort on his goal and a late-game defensive play were pivotal in closing out the win.
Brock Boeser had a challenging night but delivered when it counted, scoring a massive goal to put his team ahead and earning a B-.
Jake DeBrusk and Drew O'Connor were both graded A for their outstanding play. DeBrusk scored a lovely goal and showed great support for his teammates, while O'Connor was a force with the puck and also found the back of the net.
It was a tough night for the so-called Calder Cup Line of Max Sasson, Arshdeep Bains, and Linus Karlsson, who all received D grades for a collectively difficult performance.
Defence and Goaltending
Quinn Hughes shook off a frustrating start to finish with a B grade. While the power play he quarterbacks struggled, he elevated his game in the third period and logged heavy minutes, finishing with a strong +10 in shot attempts at even strength.
The pairing of Marcus Pettersson and Tyler Myers had a rough night, both receiving C grades. They were consistently challenged by Columbus's top line. Myers, in particular, has been on the ice for five goals against in the last two games, raising questions about whether the veteran defenceman might benefit from a scheduled rest.
In goal, Kevin Lankinen was solid, earning a B. While you might have wanted a save on the second Kirill Marchenko goal, he was otherwise reliable and got some help from his goalposts to preserve the lead.
Looking Ahead to a Daunting Challenge
The win provides a temporary boost, but the road gets dramatically harder. The Canucks' next opponent, the Colorado Avalanche, is coming off a stunning 9-1 statement win over the Edmonton Oilers. This begins a brutal two-week stretch that will truly test Vancouver's playoff mettle. For now, the Canucks and their fans can enjoy a hard-earned victory before turning their attention to the next big challenge.
