Canucks Comeback in Toronto: A Must-Win Game

The Vancouver Canucks, trailing 1-0 after one period, battled back to a 4-3 win against the Toronto Maple Leafs, thanks to two late power-play goals, including the winner by Jyrki Lumme, which put Vancouver ahead with four minutes left. The Canucks' victory in the second game of the Western Conference final split the series and prevented the Leafs from taking a 2-0 lead.

Key Takeaways:

• Vancouver coach Pat Quinn said the team's victory was as close to must-win as one can get in the second game of a series, acknowledging the team's poor home record.
• The Canucks' power play, which had been struggling, scored twice, including the winner, with Jyrki Lumme's goal putting Vancouver ahead with four minutes left.
• The Leafs also had two power-play goals, but the Canucks' comeback gave them momentum going into the third game in Vancouver.
• Vancouver captain Trevor Linden said the team's positive attitude helped them battle back from a 4-3 deficit in the third period.
• Quinn praised his team's ability to play well in "gut-check" games, saying they have improved in these situations over the past few years.
• The Canucks' comeback victory was reminiscent of their previous playoff series wins, including their comeback against the Calgary Flames in the conference quarter-final.

Statistics:

• The Canucks scored twice on the power play, with Jyrki Lumme's goal being the winner.
• The Leafs also had two power-play goals.
• The game was tied 2-2 at the end of the second period and 3-3 early in the third period.
• The Canucks won the game 4-3.
• The series is now tied 1-1, with the next three games scheduled in Vancouver.

Sources:

• Quinn, Pat (Vancouver Canucks coach) as quoted in the article.
• Linden, Trevor (Vancouver Canucks captain) as quoted in the article.
• Byline: Neil A. Campbell, Toronto ONT -- By Neil A. Campbell, Sport Reporter, Toronto