Canucks Shutout Wild in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Qualifiers

The Vancouver Canucks shutout the Minnesota Wild in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Qualifiers with a score of 3-0. The Canucks lead the series 2-1. Both teams played at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta. Here’s a recap of game one between the Canucks and Wild.

1st Period

Minnesota came out with a great start outshooting Vancouver 5-2 before the halfway mark of the period. However, the Canucks took over the majority of the period though the Wild made a last minute push to get one goal in before time expired.

The score was tied at zero heading into the second period.

2nd Period

This period was more of where the momentum shifted towards. The Canucks would get the game’s first goal from forward Brock Boeser during their sixth power play of the game. But, the Wild would go on a power play of their own late in the period and got some great scoring chances. However, they were unable to convert on their two late power plays.

Vancouver went into the third period with a score of 1-0.

3rd Period

The Canucks got a goal early in the period from forward Antoine Roussel building on the momentum they had from the last period. The Wild also had momentum in this period during the final five minutes of the game. However, too many penalties have damaged the Wild as Canucks forward Elias Pettersson sealed the game on their ninth and final power play of the game.

Vancouver won the game 3-0 and took the series lead 2-1.

Three Stars of the Game

Third Star: Elias Pettersson (1 goal, 1 assist)

Second Star: Quinn Hughes (3 assists)

First Star: Jacob Markstrom (27 saves)

This has been a physical series no doubt but both teams have to cut down on the amount of penalties they take. Otherwise, the other team could take advantage and build momentum during a power play. This game proved that point as both teams got called for 22 combined total penalties. Whoever can play simple, clean hockey will probably determine the winner of this series.

Minnesota faces elimination heading into Game 4. Should Vancouver win Game 4, they’ll move on to the first round of the playoffs. Game 4 of the Canucks-Wild series is on Aug. 7 at 10:45 pm ET.