Thatcher Demko stops 33 shots, Canucks beat Blackhawks 3-0
Chicago Blackhawks goalie Alex Stalock stops Vancouver Canucks' Anthony Beauvillier, not seen, during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, April 6, 2023, in Vancouver, British Columbia. Credit: AP/DARRYL DYCK
VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Thatcher Demko stopped 33 shots for his first shutout of the season and third overall in the Vancouver Canucks' 3-0 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday night.
Andrei Kuzmenko, Vitali Kravtsov and J.T. Miller — into the empty net — scored and defenseman Akito Hirose had two assists to help the Canucks end a four-game losing streak.
Alex Stalock stopped 26 shots for the Blackhawks. They were coming off a 4-3 victory at Calgary on Tuesday night, but have lost nine of 10.
The Canucks went up 2-0 early in the second period after Jonathan Toews was called for hooking. Kravtsov fired a one-timer into the net for his first goal for Vancouver 3:53 into the frame. The Canucks acquired the 23-year-old winger from the New York Rangers at the end of February.
Kuzmenko opened the scoring with a long-range blast 16:16 into the game. Stationed at the point, the Russian winger fired a rocket through traffic and past Stalock’s glove for his 38th goal of the season.
Canucks defenseman Cole McWard made his NHL debut. The 21-year-old signed a two-year, entry-level deal with Vancouver on Tuesday after completing his second season at Ohio State.
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Chicago Blackhawks goalie Alex Stalock, right, stops Vancouver Canucks' Anthony Beauvillier (72) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, April 6, 2023, in Vancouver, British Columbia. Credit: AP/DARRYL DYCK
Blackhawks: At Seattle on Saturday night.
Canucks: Host Calgary on Saturday night.
