Welcome back to Instant Reaction, the series here at <a class="text-accent" href="https://canucksarmy.com/schedule" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CanucksArmy</a> where we give you our instant reaction to today’s <a class="text-accent" href="https://canucksarmy.com/combinations" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Vancouver Canucks</a> game and ask our readers to do the same in the comments section below!
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The Devils started the game with plenty of jump, and got some good chances off on <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/canucks-activate-goaltender-thatcher-demko-ahead-of-date-with-the-devils">Thatcher Demk</a>o right off the bat. The good news for Canucks fans was that Demko looked sharp early.
With <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/vancouver-canucks-forwards-elias-pettersson-nils-hoglander-home-will-miss-rest-of-road-trip">Elias Pettersson and Nils Höglander heading back to Vancouver</a> after exiting Saturday in New York, Pius Suter was elevated to the Canucks&#8217; first line, and wasted little time in making his impact on this game. Suter found some space in the slot, and Marcus Pettersson did well to find him for the quick strike over Jacob Markstrom&#8217;s right shoulder.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
🚨CANUCKS GOAL🚨
Pius Suter wins the faceoff and scores a goal! What a shift for #24! 
🎥: Amazon Prime | NHL<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NJDevils?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NJDevils</a> <a href="https://t.co/tZNnCBX7QN">pic.twitter.com/tZNnCBX7QN</a>
&mdash; CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1904322743002452199?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2025</a></blockquote>
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1-0 Canucks. 
The Canucks got their first power play of the game after Johnathan Kovacevic &#8212; WHO NEEDS TO PLAY BETTER &#8212; was called for high-sticking on Jake DeBrusk. The Canucks&#8217; power play looked dysfunctional and struggled to get set up. But in the end it was the Canucks who were up on the scoreboard after 20 minutes of play.
The Devils got their first power play of the game five minutes into the second when the Canucks were called for a bench minor. The Canucks&#8217; red-hot penalty kill stood tall, as did Thatcher Demko, who was looking more than comfortable after being off for so long.
It didn&#8217;t take long for the Devils&#8217; next power play, as Teddy Blueger was called for a bit of a phantom trip on Tomas Tatar.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
File this penalty to Blueger on Tatar under &quot;learn to skate bro&quot; <a href="https://t.co/LMnXzw3jPY">pic.twitter.com/LMnXzw3jPY</a>
&mdash; Wyatt Arndt (@TheStanchion) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheStanchion/status/1904336146827812960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2025</a></blockquote>
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The Devils struck quickly, with Timo Meier burying a second chance shot to tie this one up.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Timo Meier scores on the power play for New Jersey. 
🎥: Amazon Prime | NHL<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NJDevils?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NJDevils</a> <a href="https://t.co/rEseHwHJmD">pic.twitter.com/rEseHwHJmD</a>
&mdash; CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1904336397928140996?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2025</a></blockquote>
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1-1. 
From there, the Devils ratcheted up the pressure big time, hemming the Canucks in their own end and stacking shifts. The Canucks managed to withstand the Devils&#8217; attack, entering the third period tied at one apiece.
Thatcher Demko was the Canucks&#8217; best player early in the third, as he continued coming up with some big saves for them, including a massive one off of Dawson Mercer.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Thatcher Demko makes one of his better saves tonight!
🎥: Amazon Prime | NHL<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NJDevils?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NJDevils</a> <a href="https://t.co/it6qsDrnMc">pic.twitter.com/it6qsDrnMc</a>
&mdash; CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1904347645956767826?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Just over five minutes into the period, the Canucks&#8217; power play got another chance, a prime opportunity to take the lead in this one. Brock Boeser ripped a wrist shot off the post, but that was as close as the Canucks would get on this instance.
The Devils struck back on a fortunate bounce off the boards behind Demko, as they jumped into a late lead.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Timo Meier scores his second goal of the game. It&#39;s 2-1 New Jersey.
🎥: Amazon Prime | NHL<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NJDevils?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NJDevils</a> <a href="https://t.co/TYLvviaP06">pic.twitter.com/TYLvviaP06</a>
&mdash; CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1904349481489043774?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2025</a></blockquote>
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2-1 Devils. 
Just 45 seconds later, Jonathan Lekkerimaki took a beautiful pass from Derek Forbort and ripped a shot home to once again pull even.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
🚨CANUCKS GOAL🚨
Derek Forbort sets up Jonathan Lekkerimäki in the slot and he buries it! This game is tied! 
🎥: Amazon Prime | NHL<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NJDevils?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NJDevils</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZaAMUDQus7">pic.twitter.com/ZaAMUDQus7</a>
&mdash; CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1904350032490541167?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2025</a></blockquote>
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2-2.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
New Jersey gets their one goal lead back. 
🎥: Amazon Prime | NHL<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NJDevils?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NJDevils</a> <a href="https://t.co/xXMM3hVqac">pic.twitter.com/xXMM3hVqac</a>
&mdash; CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1904351543471817153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Then just moments after that, the Devils jumped out to another lead.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
New Jersey gets their one goal lead back. 
🎥: Amazon Prime | NHL<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NJDevils?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NJDevils</a> <a href="https://t.co/xXMM3hVqac">pic.twitter.com/xXMM3hVqac</a>
&mdash; CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1904351543471817153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2025</a></blockquote>
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3-2 Devils.
With just over two minutes left, the Canucks pulled Demko in favour of an extra attacker. Quinn Hughes went to work, and the Canucks rolled out some heavy pressure on the home side. Hughes fired a shot through traffic that led to a loose puck in the crease, and Conor Garland was ready to bury the rebound.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
🚨CANUCKS GOAL🚨
VANCOUVER TIES THE GAME WITH 30 SECONDS LEFT IN THE 3RD PERIOD! 
🎥: Amazon Prime | NHL<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NJDevils?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NJDevils</a> <a href="https://t.co/ifh9mFAQr9">pic.twitter.com/ifh9mFAQr9</a>
&mdash; CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1904355174841458760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2025</a></blockquote>
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3-3.
This one needed overtime.
Quinn Hughes nearly ended this game just a minute into overtime when he pulled off an <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/vancouver-canucks-quinn-hughes-clocked-highest-speed-nhl-season">end-to-end rush that looked eerily similar to the rush he turned in Saturday against the Rangers</a>, which turned out to be the fastest max speed of any player in the NHL this season. Hughes manufactured himself a breakaway chance, but Jacob Markstrom turned the shot attempt away with the blocker.
Then it was Thatcher Demko&#8217;s chance to shine.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
THATCHER DEMKO MAKES A SAVE IN THE SPLITS
🎥: Amazon Prime | NHL<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NJDevils?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NJDevils</a> <a href="https://t.co/cEMOw48a8D">pic.twitter.com/cEMOw48a8D</a>
&mdash; CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1904356678050726278?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2025</a></blockquote>
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This one needed a shootout!
Paul Cotter: STOPPED. 
Jake DeBrusk: SCORES!
Jesper Bratt: Scores. 
Conor Garland: Stopped.
Timo Meier: STOPPED! 
Pius Suter: Stopped.
Luke Hughes: Stopped. 
Jonathan Lekkerimäki: SCORES THE WINNER
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
🚨CANUCKS GOAL🚨
Jonathan Lekkerimäki scores the shootout winner! What a win for the Canucks! 
🎥: Amazon Prime | NHL<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NJDevils?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NJDevils</a> <a href="https://t.co/0w9pZ4VrZw">pic.twitter.com/0w9pZ4VrZw</a>
&mdash; CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1904359252757753920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2025</a></blockquote>
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4-3 Canucks final.
Some more takeaways from tonight:
-Quinn Hughes is on an island right now. 
-Good start for Demko. Nice to see him settle in and not show too many signs of rust. 
-Jonathan <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/jpats-monday-vancouver-canucks-mailbag-whats-the-ceiling-jonathan-lekkerimaki-next-season">Lekkerimäki is going to be great one day</a>. He might even be great next season after an offseason of working out, and tonight, he showed so much of that potential. Great shootout move too. 
-Great night for Aatu Räty in the faceoff dot. 
-The dream lives on&#8230;
What&#8217;s your instant reaction to this game? Let us know in the comments section below! And be sure to tune into Rink Wide Vancouver moments after the final horn!
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Welcome back to Instant Reaction, the series here at <a class="text-accent" href="https://canucksarmy.com/schedule" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CanucksArmy</a> where we give you our instant reaction to today’s <a class="text-accent" href="https://canucksarmy.com/combinations" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Vancouver Canucks</a> game and ask our readers to do the same in the comments section below!
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&nbsp;

The Devils started the game with plenty of jump, and got some good chances off on <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/canucks-activate-goaltender-thatcher-demko-ahead-of-date-with-the-devils">Thatcher Demk</a>o right off the bat. The good news for Canucks fans was that Demko looked sharp early.

With <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/vancouver-canucks-forwards-elias-pettersson-nils-hoglander-home-will-miss-rest-of-road-trip">Elias Pettersson and Nils Höglander heading back to Vancouver</a> after exiting Saturday in New York, Pius Suter was elevated to the Canucks' first line, and wasted little time in making his impact on this game. Suter found some space in the slot, and Marcus Pettersson did well to find him for the quick strike over Jacob Markstrom's right shoulder.

https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1904322743002452199

1-0 Canucks. 

The Canucks got their first power play of the game after Johnathan Kovacevic -- WHO NEEDS TO PLAY BETTER -- was called for high-sticking on Jake DeBrusk. The Canucks' power play looked dysfunctional and struggled to get set up. But in the end it was the Canucks who were up on the scoreboard after 20 minutes of play.

The Devils got their first power play of the game five minutes into the second when the Canucks were called for a bench minor. The Canucks' red-hot penalty kill stood tall, as did Thatcher Demko, who was looking more than comfortable after being off for so long.

It didn't take long for the Devils' next power play, as Teddy Blueger was called for a bit of a phantom trip on Tomas Tatar.

https://twitter.com/TheStanchion/status/1904336146827812960

The Devils struck quickly, with Timo Meier burying a second chance shot to tie this one up.

https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1904336397928140996

1-1. 

From there, the Devils ratcheted up the pressure big time, hemming the Canucks in their own end and stacking shifts. The Canucks managed to withstand the Devils' attack, entering the third period tied at one apiece.

Thatcher Demko was the Canucks' best player early in the third, as he continued coming up with some big saves for them, including a massive one off of Dawson Mercer.

https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1904347645956767826

Just over five minutes into the period, the Canucks' power play got another chance, a prime opportunity to take the lead in this one. Brock Boeser ripped a wrist shot off the post, but that was as close as the Canucks would get on this instance.

The Devils struck back on a fortunate bounce off the boards behind Demko, as they jumped into a late lead.

https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1904349481489043774

2-1 Devils. 

Just 45 seconds later, Jonathan Lekkerimaki took a beautiful pass from Derek Forbort and ripped a shot home to once again pull even.

https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1904350032490541167

2-2.

https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1904351543471817153

Then just moments after that, the Devils jumped out to another lead.

https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1904351543471817153

3-2 Devils.

With just over two minutes left, the Canucks pulled Demko in favour of an extra attacker. Quinn Hughes went to work, and the Canucks rolled out some heavy pressure on the home side. Hughes fired a shot through traffic that led to a loose puck in the crease, and Conor Garland was ready to bury the rebound.

https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1904355174841458760

3-3.

This one needed overtime.

Quinn Hughes nearly ended this game just a minute into overtime when he pulled off an <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/vancouver-canucks-quinn-hughes-clocked-highest-speed-nhl-season">end-to-end rush that looked eerily similar to the rush he turned in Saturday against the Rangers</a>, which turned out to be the fastest max speed of any player in the NHL this season. Hughes manufactured himself a breakaway chance, but Jacob Markstrom turned the shot attempt away with the blocker.

Then it was Thatcher Demko's chance to shine.

https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1904356678050726278

This one needed a shootout!

Paul Cotter: STOPPED.
Jake DeBrusk: SCORES!

Jesper Bratt: Scores.
Conor Garland: Stopped.

Timo Meier: STOPPED!
Pius Suter: Stopped.

Luke Hughes: Stopped.
Jonathan Lekkerimäki: SCORES THE WINNER

https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1904359252757753920

4-3 Canucks final.

Some more takeaways from tonight:

-Quinn Hughes is on an island right now.
-Good start for Demko. Nice to see him settle in and not show too many signs of rust.
-Jonathan <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/jpats-monday-vancouver-canucks-mailbag-whats-the-ceiling-jonathan-lekkerimaki-next-season">Lekkerimäki is going to be great one day</a>. He might even be great next season after an offseason of working out, and tonight, he showed so much of that potential. Great shootout move too.
-Great night for Aatu Räty in the faceoff dot.
-The dream lives on...

What's your instant reaction to this game? Let us know in the comments section below! And be sure to tune into Rink Wide Vancouver moments after the final horn!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bl_Y726b9s0

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