The Vancouver Canucks have extended their winning streak to three games, delivering a convincing 4-1 road victory over the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on Friday, December 19, 2025. The win comes amidst a period of transition for the team following the trade of star defenceman Quinn Hughes.
Islanders Fade After Fast Start
The game began with the New York Islanders applying early pressure, but the momentum shifted dramatically in Vancouver's favour. After the Canucks built a 3-0 lead, the Islanders' effort visibly waned, a point of frustration for those hoping Vancouver would lose to improve their draft lottery odds. The Canucks' players, however, capitalized on the opportunity, showcasing improved structure under coach Adam Foote.
Sherwood Shines with Hat Trick, Demko Stands Tall
Forward Kiefer Sherwood was the offensive hero of the night, recording a hat trick. His first goal came off a steal and a sharp shot, his second was a power-play one-timer, and he completed the trio to seal the victory. His performance is sure to increase his value as the NHL trade deadline approaches.
In goal, Thatcher Demko was stellar, nearly earning a shutout. The lone Islanders goal came with an extra attacker on the ice in the third period. Demko's excellent play continues to spark debate about his future as a potential trade asset for the rebuilding Canucks.
Key Factors in the Victory
Several elements contributed to the Canucks' success. For the third consecutive game, they scored the first goal, establishing early control. The penalty kill was also crucial, successfully defending against a two-man advantage early in the game to maintain the team's momentum.
Centre David Kämpf scored his first goal as a Canuck, benefiting from a fortunate bounce. The defensive pairing of rookie Zeev Buium and veteran Tyler Myers continued to show promising chemistry, providing stability on the back end.
Vancouver Canucks Player Grades
Forwards:
- Kiefer Sherwood (A-): Scored three goals, including a power-play marker, driving the offence.
- David Kämpf (A): Scored his first with Vancouver and was solid defensively in his best game as a Canuck.
- Marco Rossi, Conor Garland, Brock Boeser (C+): The line showed developing chemistry, with Rossi making smart plays, though Boeser's scoring drought extended to 16 games.
- Linus Karlsson, Liam Öhgren (B-): Provided quality, effective minutes in limited fourth-line ice time.
Defence:
- Filip Hronek (B): Ran the second power-play unit effectively and is settling into the number-one defenceman role.
- Zeev Buium (B): The rookie was steady and impressive with his skating and poise.
- Tyler Myers (B): Another strong game alongside his young partner Buium.
Goalie:
- Thatcher Demko (A): Was the backbone of the victory, deserving of a shutout in a commanding performance.
The win improves the Canucks' record as they head into the weekend, demonstrating resilience and a team-first approach in the post-Quinn Hughes era. The focus now shifts to whether management will continue to build on this momentum or leverage assets like Sherwood and Demko for future gains.
