Pius Suter scored his second goal in the final minute to help the Vancouver Canucks win a thrilling 3-2 game against the San Jose Sharks on Saturday night.
Jake DeBrusk also scored for the Canucks, who ended a two-game winless streak. Goalie Kevin Lankinen made 21 saves during the game.
Niko Sturm and Mikael Granlund scored for the Sharks, but their three-game winning streak ended. Goalie Mackenzie Blackwood stopped 25 shots.
With overtime looking likely after Granlund tied the game late, Suter scored the game-winning goal with just 25.7 seconds left. He found open space in the left circle and fired a one-timer past Connor Garland for his second goal of the night and fourth of the season.
The Canucks have won 11 of their last 12 games against the Sharks, and this game was as exciting as any.
After a scoreless first period, Sturm opened the scoring at 2:37 of the second period. Luke Kunin got a shot in the slot to fire into the net and Sturm was there to grab the long rebound for his second goal of the season.
Suter tied the score at 14:41 of the second period. Soon after, Lankinen made a great save against William Eklund’s big chance. Garland then caused a turnover that led to Suter getting the puck in the left circle, where he fired a handball into the top corner.
DeBrusk gave the Canucks their first lead with 4:22 left in the game. Just after Brock Boeser hit the post on a breakaway, DeBrusk received a pass in the slot and took a shot that went into the glove for his first goal of the season.
However, Granlund tied the game again with 77 seconds left in regulation time. He scored with a shot that found its way through traffic and into the net for his sixth goal of the season.
The Sharks made a strong push at the end but were unable to find the equaliser.
Canucks defenseman Filip Hronek had an assist in his 400th NHL game on his 27th birthday, while teammate Derek Forbore played in his 500th game.