CANUCKS’ TOP LINE SHINES IN 2-0 WIN OVER OILERS PROSPECTS AT 2024 YOUNG STARS CLASSIC
The Vancouver Canucks kicked off their 2024 Young Stars Classic on a high note with a dominant 2-0 win over the Edmonton Oilers’ prospects.
Powered by goals from Max Sasson and Christian Felton, the Canucks controlled the pace and locked down defensively to secure the victory, setting the tone for the weekend ahead.
Here’s a breakdown of how the game unfolded
Opening lineup
First period
The Canucks wasted no time setting the tone at the South Okanagan Event Centre as Elias Pettersson delivered a thunderous hit at his own blue line just seconds into the game to kick off the 2024 Young Stars Classic.
From there, it was the Jonathan Lekkerimäki, Aatu Räty, and Arshdeep Bains show. The trio dominated most of the first ten minutes, pinning the Oilers deep in their own zone to generate the bulk of the early scoring opportunities. Lekkerimäki, the dynamic Swedish forward, was at the heart of the action, coming close on several chances thanks to the vision of Räty.
Midway through the frame, Joe Arntsen, a 21-year-old invitee on an AHL contract, showed the local crowd what his game is all about by dropping the gloves in a spirited bout with Nate Corbet. Arntsen, known for his physical play during his time with the Lethbridge Hurricanes, where he amassed 321 penalty minutes in 268 games, showed that he’s ready to bring the same edge to the Abbotsford Canucks’ lineup.
Both players were handed game misconducts as a result of the tilt.
Despite controlling the play for stretches early in the frame, the Canucks failed to find to cash in on their attempts and gave the Oilers the edge in shots by a 9-6 margin.
Second period
The second period brought the crowd to its feet with the game’s first goal, the Canucks’ initial power play, and multiple high-danger opportunities for the home team.
The Canucks’ top line picked up where they left off immediately, dominating the initial shift out of the gate and applying relentless pressure with an impressive cycle game.
With each shift, the top line provided fans with their price of admission, notching several attempts throughout the period.
However, it was Max Sasson who broke the deadlock early in the period. After receiving a soft chip pass from Vilmer Alriksson, Sasson charged down the wing and buried his own rebound off the rush for the night’s first goal.
Goal: Max Sasson from Vilmer Alriksson and Akito Hirose.
Momentum stayed with the Canucks as the top line continued to dazzle, creating a flurry of scoring chances, with each member taking turns testing the Oilers’ netminder, Nathaniel Day. Despite their strong efforts, Sasson’s goal would hold as the period’s lone tally.
The Canucks outshot the Oilers 12-5 in the second period, repeatedly forcing the Oilers’ goaltender to come up with big saves to keep his team in the game.
Third period
Christian Felton, signed out of the NCAA late in the 2023-24 season, doubled the Canucks lead early into the final period with a tremendous individual effort. Intercepting the puck at neutral ice, the 24-year-old drove the net, stuck with his rebound and deposited the tucked in the rebound.
Just over the midway point of the frame, Lekkerimäki nearly set the Penticton crowd ablaze, firing a quick snapshot off the far side post. The puck narrowly missed from trickling past the goal line before the Oilers’ defender saved the day to deny him his first at the Young Stars Classic.
With under two minutes remaining in the game, the Oilers took a penalty to send the Canucks to a closing powerplay. Despite being shut down, the Canucks would hold onto their lead to topple the Oilers by a score of 2-0, outshooting them by a 30-21 margin.
Final recap
The Vancouver Canucks’ veteran core dominated game one, keeping the Oiler’s inexperienced lineup relatively at bay. Although not testing with many high-danger opportunities, Nikita Tolipilo played a sound game between the pipes, stopping all 21 shots to pick up the opening game shutout.
What’s next
The Canucks will enjoy Saturday off before taking the ice to host the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday afternoon. The puck drops at 2:00 pm at the South Okanagan Event Centre.
You can stream all the action for free at Canucks.com.
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