Kevin Lankinen made 26 saves for his fourth career shutout and the Vancouver Canucks defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 3-0 on Saturday night.
Nils Höglander, Brock Boeser and Kyle Sherwood scored for the Canucks, who spoiled Philadelphia’s home opener and the first NHL home game for top flyers Matvei Michkov and Jett Luchanko.
The Canucks controlled the play for most of the match and took advantage of Philadelphia’s defensive breakdowns for a pair of goals.
Samuel Ersson made 29 saves for Philadelphia, which lost its fourth straight game (0-3-1) after winning the season opener against the Canucks in Vancouver.
Takeaways
Canucks: Tyler Myers got an assist on a nifty pass to Boeser. It was Myers’ 1,000th NHL game. Myers also had three shots on goal, blocked a pair of shots, finished the game plus-1 and led the Canucks in total time on ice at 21:54.
Flyers: In another milestone game, Philadelphia captain Sean Couturier played his 800th career game. However, the veteran center was demoted to the fourth line and left wing by coach John Tortorella before the game. Once the Flyers fell behind 3-0, Couturier was moved back to center but was unable to spark the team’s offense.
Key moment
Vancouver scored twice in 50 seconds in the second period and pulled away. Sherwood’s goal was a one-timer on a Teddy Blueger faceoff win, making it 3-0.
Key stat
Minus 11, the Flyers’ goal difference in five games at even strength this season. After five games they are now outscored 17-6 in five-a-side. All three of Vancouver’s goals on Saturday were at even strength.
Next
The Canucks are off until Tuesday night, when they end their four-game road trip in Chicago.
Philadelphia is also off until Tuesday night, when it hosts Washington in its first back-to-back games against the Capitals.
