Canucks top Western Conference with 7-4 win over Sharks

The Vancouver Canucks emerged victorious against the San Jose Sharks in a breath-taking game 7-4 on Saturday night.

WON-DERFUL TIME OF YEAR 🎄 pic.twitter.com/kpjdZnZ0QY

— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) December 24, 2023

Andrei Kuzmenko returned to the starting line-up with a bang as he notched 2 goals to inspire his team en route to victory.

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“For me, it’s a very important moment for the team to win,” said Kuzmenko. “I understand I need to score more and get goals more.”

Nils Aman, Sam Lafferty, Dakota Joshua, Pius Suter and Quinn Hughes each added a goal to secure the win and the vital points. Goaltender Thatcher Demko made 21 saves from 25 shots.

The result means Vancouver moves to the top with 49 points heading into Christmas, two ahead of Vegas Golden Knights.

It was a lopsided game all round with both teams having chances. In the end the Canucks edged out, as the Sharks, by their own coach Rick Tocchet admission, were suffering from fatigue.

“We hung in there. There were some moments there we didn’t like,” he said. “It’s nice (to win). We definitely need a break, guys need to get away from the rink for three days.”