National Hockey League
Vancouver 2, Edmonton 1
When: 10:00 PM ET, Saturday, December 26, 2015
Where: Rogers Arena, Vancouver, British Columbia
Referees: Dan O'Rourke, Graham Skilliter
Linesmen: Lonnie Cameron, Kiel Murchison
Attendance: 18570

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Right winger Jannik Hansen scored two goals, including the overtime winner, as the Vancouver Canucks edged the Edmonton Oilers 2-1 on Saturday night.

Hansen whipped home a slapshot from the right wing with 59 seconds left in the sudden-death session after taking a pass from defenseman Matt Bartkowski. Goaltender Jacob Markstrom drew the second assist as he sent the puck up the ice to Bartkowski.

Hansen netted the winner after suffering facial cuts late in the third period and returning after he went head-first into the Edmonton net's crossbar during a rush. The Canucks earned their first overtime win of the season after going zero-for-seven in the new three-on-three format.

The Canucks (14-14-9) posted their second straight win, while the Oilers (15-18-3) suffered their fourth loss in the past five games. Vancouver has now earned seven of a possible eight points in its past three games.

Center Mark Letestu scored the lone Edmonton goal. Oilers goalie Cam Talbot posted 22 saves as Edmonton outshot the Canucks 33-24. Markstrom recorded 32 saves while making his second straight start in place of injured No. 1 goaltender Ryan Miller.

Letestu opened the scoring on a shot from the slot 12:55 into the game after Canucks right winger Radim Vrbata mishandled a bouncing puck near the Vancouver blue line.

The Canucks were unfortunate not to get at least one goal in the first period. Vrbata was denied by Talbot on a wrap-around attempt in the early going, and right winger Brandon Prust deflected center Linden Vey's pass off the goal post with about 11 minutes left.

The Oilers could have had another one, but Markstrom stopped right winger Taylor Hall after he sidestepped Vancouver defenseman Alex Biega.

Hansen created a 1-1 tie at 3:37 of the second period as he one-timed center Henrik Sedin's pass from the corner.

Markstrom helped the Canucks stay even as he made a series of saves with just under seven minutes gone in the frame and later foiled Edmonton center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins on a breakaway. The scoring chance came after the Canucks kept the puck in the Edmonton zone for a prolonged period.

Vancouver defenseman Yannick Weber was penalized for slashing on the breakaway as he surrendered the puck and then gave chase to Nugent-Hopkins. The Canucks allowed only one shot on the ensuing Edmonton power play.

NOTES: Canucks top G Ryan Miller remained out with an undisclosed injury that was initially described as cramps. Vancouver coach Willie Desjardins said Miller, who left during a shootout against Florida on Dec. 20 and did not dress Dec. 22 in Tampa Bay, suffered a setback in his recovery. Miller is expected to be out at least another week. ... Canucks D Chris Tanev also missed the game, due to an undisclosed injury suffered while blocking a shot in Tampa Bay, while D Dan Hamhuis (face) and D Luca Sbisa (hand), remained sidelined with injuries. ... Edmonton rookie C Connor McDavid continues to recover from a broken collarbone. He is expected back after the All-Star game break. D Oscar Klefbom (undisclosed), D Rob Klinkhammer (foot) and RW Nail Yakupov (foot) also remained out with injuries. ... Canucks LW Chris Higgins suited up for his 700th NHL career game.
Top Game Performances
 
Edmonton   Vancouver
Mark Letestu 1 Points Jannik Hansen 2
Mark Letestu 1 Goals Jannik Hansen 2
Matt Hendricks 1 Assists Matt Bartkowski 1
N/A Power Play Goals N/A
N/A Short Handed Goals N/A
Cameron Talbot .917 Save Percentage Jacob Markstrom .970
Cameron Talbot 22 Saves Jacob Markstrom 32
Team Stats Summary
 
Team Shots Goals Power Play Penalty Kill Penalty Mins Face Offs Won
Edmonton 33 1 0-3 2-2 4 34
Vancouver 24 2 0-2 3-3 6 32
Upcoming Games
  • Vancouver will play their next game at home against Los Angeles. The Canucks have a W/L % of .357 after a win and .391 after a loss.
  • Edmonton will play their next game on the road against Calgary. The Oilers have a W/L % of .467 after a win and .381 after a loss.