Instant Reaction: Special teams the story as Canucks lose 4-1 to Devils

The Vancouver Canucks were defeated 4-1 by the New Jersey Devils, largely undone by struggling special teams play. Linus Karlsson opened the scoring for Vancouver with an early power-play goal, but the Devils responded with three power-play tallies of their own. Nico Hischier scored twice on the man advantage, while Jesper Bratt also converted for New Jersey, and Jesper Boqvist added an even-strength goal.

Vancouver's penalty kill allowed goals on all three Devils power plays, extending an ongoing slump. Starting goaltender Leevi Meriläinen briefly left the game in the first period due to a skate blade issue, resulting in Kevin Lankinen conceding Boqvist's goal before Meriläinen returned to finish the contest.