Welcome back to Instant Reaction, the series here at <a class="text-accent" href="https://canucksarmy.com/schedule" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CanucksArmy</a> where we give you our instant reaction to tonight’s <a class="text-accent" href="https://canucksarmy.com/combinations" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Vancouver Canucks</a> game and ask our readers to do the same in the comments section below!
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&nbsp;
This game started with a bang, as Thatcher Demko needed to make his first stop of the night a great one as he robbed Bo Horvat with a right pad save.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Thatcher Demko robs his former captain for his first save of the game! 
🎥: Sportsnet | NHL<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Isles?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Isles</a> <a href="https://t.co/U1SKB650Eq">pic.twitter.com/U1SKB650Eq</a>
&mdash; CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1905043698683183344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2025</a></blockquote>
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The first period featured two teams on the outskirts of the playoff picture playing to not make a mistake and certainly to not get scored on. Yes, it was a bit of a boring first as both teams tried to lock it down and suffocate the other&#8217;s offence.
The Canucks were the worse team at that, but thankfully they had Demko there to bail them out. After Elias Pettersson, the defenceman, got caught deep, Demko robbed Horvat once again after another Islanders 2-on-1 chance.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Thatcher Demko stops Bo Horvat for the second time already in this game! 
🎥: Sportsnet | NHL<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Isles?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Isles</a> <a href="https://t.co/5bIzt18h0R">pic.twitter.com/5bIzt18h0R</a>
&mdash; CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1905048761472344105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Shortly after, Demko made a tough save look far too easy when he calmly swallowed up a grade-A chance from Anthony Duclair.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Another huge save by Thatcher Demko! He is dialled in right now! 
🎥: Sportsnet | NHL<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Isles?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Isles</a> <a href="https://t.co/GZ24Dl40i1">pic.twitter.com/GZ24Dl40i1</a>
&mdash; CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1905049296699052343?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The opening 20 ended in a scoreless tie.
Kiefer Sherwood came out with a vengeance to kick off the second period, opening the scoring in this one quickly.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
🚨CANUCKS GOAL🚨
Kiefer Sherwood scores his 16th goal of the season and opens the scoring on Long Island! 
🎥: Sportsnet | NHL<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Isles?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Isles</a> <a href="https://t.co/pG1AAhNK3l">pic.twitter.com/pG1AAhNK3l</a>
&mdash; CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1905057491102351597?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2025</a></blockquote>
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1-0 Canucks.
Shortly after, the Canucks got the game&#8217;s first power play as Bo Horvat was called for hauling down Derek Forbort. That didn&#8217;t go very well.
Quinn Hughes and Jonathan Lekkerimäki had a bit of a miscommunication at the Islanders&#8217; blueline and the result was an off man rush the other way and a shorthanded goal for the home side.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Casey Cizikas scores a short handed goal. It&#39;s 1-1 
🎥: Sportsnet | NHL<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Isles?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Isles</a> <a href="https://t.co/w0qLPiy1ti">pic.twitter.com/w0qLPiy1ti</a>
&mdash; CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1905059000347185446?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2025</a></blockquote>
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1-1. 
Shortly after, the Islanders took their first lead of the evening. This time, it was a rare bad rebound from Demko that found its way to Tony DeAngelo, who buried a shot past Demko to make it 2-1 Islanders. 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Tony DeAngelo puts the Islanders up 2-1 
🎥: Sportsnet | NHL<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Isles?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Isles</a> <a href="https://t.co/6qOtai2OuW">pic.twitter.com/6qOtai2OuW</a>
&mdash; CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1905060954683109845?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2025</a></blockquote>
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That also didn&#8217;t last long, as Aatu Räty was rewarded for some excellent work on the forecheck and in front of the net when he deflected a Marcus Pettersson point shot to tie this one up.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
🚨CANUCKS GOAL🚨
Aatu Räty scores against his former team! 
🎥: Sportsnet | NHL<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Isles?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Isles</a> <a href="https://t.co/AbaxlXS38v">pic.twitter.com/AbaxlXS38v</a>
&mdash; CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1905063679282102663?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
2-2. 
Gotta feel good for the kid there. Just look at the pure elation on his face.
And just as the period was coming to an end, *checks notes* Derek Forbort moved in off the rush and fired one glove side on Sorokin to give the Canucks a lead late in the second.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
🚨CANUCKS GOAL🚨
Derek Forbort with a sneaky release beats Ilya Sorokin and gives the Canucks the lead! 
🎥: Sportsnet | NHL<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Isles?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Isles</a> <a href="https://t.co/HlODt48YNq">pic.twitter.com/HlODt48YNq</a>
&mdash; CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1905066296833917402?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
3-2 Canucks.
Teddy Blueger turned that into a two goal lead very early into the third, after a nice feed from Conor Garland in the offensive zone.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
🚨CANUCKS GOAL🚨
Teddy Blueger goes off the post and in! It&#39;s 4-2 Vancouver!
🎥: Sportsnet | NHL<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Isles?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Isles</a> <a href="https://t.co/WVSDJIXCMg">pic.twitter.com/WVSDJIXCMg</a>
&mdash; CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1905071636501659797?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Sorokin sure was having trouble with the low glove side shots tonight. 4-2 Canucks. 
That was it for Sorokin.
With over four minutes remaining, Patrick Roy pulled his goaltender to give the Isles a 6-on-4 advantage while trailing by two goals.
Kiefer Sherwood picked up his third point of the night when he buried the empty netter to put a bow on this one and make it 5-2 Canucks.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
🚨CANUCKS GOAL🚨
Kiefer Sherwood picks up his 3rd point of the game with this empty net goal! It&#39;s 5-2 Vancouver! 
🎥: Sportsnet | NHL<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Isles?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Isles</a> <a href="https://t.co/WbcqXRwn8E">pic.twitter.com/WbcqXRwn8E</a>
&mdash; CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1905079631214244084?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Some more takeaways from tonight:
-Aatu Räty had some great jump in his game tonight. Going to be interesting to see if he can finish this season strong and prove to be a solid bottom six centre for this team. He&#8217;s waiver eligible next season, so it&#8217;s time. 
-Anyone else at <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/what-vancouver-canucks-plan-b-if-cant-sign-centre-free-agency-canucks-conversation">least think about a Bo Horvat reunion</a>? 
-Who else is excited for MLB Opening Day? Do we have any baseball fans on this site? Mariners fans? 
-Derek Forbort has been so steady for the Canucks this season, and is <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/who-vancouver-canucks-unsung-hero-for-2024-25-nhl-season">likely my pick for unsung hero</a>. 
-To do this <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/vancouver-canucks-forwards-elias-pettersson-nils-hoglander-home-will-miss-rest-of-road-trip">without Elias Pettersson (the forward) and Nils Höglander</a> is downright impressive, and these players deserve praise for the commitment they&#8217;re showing right now. 
-Nice to get some goals from unexpected sources. 
-Another great start for Thatcher Demko. 
-Not. Dead. Yet. This team doesn&#8217;t have many losses left to give if they want to make the playoffs, and with the competition around them continuing to win, <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/4-things-need-happen-vancouver-canucks-make-playoffs">all the Canucks can do is keep on winning</a>. The rest is out of their control.
What&#8217;s your instant reaction to tonight&#8217;s game? Let us know in the comments section below! And be sure to tune into Rink Wide Vancouver moments after the final horn!
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="RINK WIDE POST-GAME: Vancouver Canucks at New York Islanders | Game 72 - Mar. 26, 2025" width="1333" height="1000" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gDZOKmEnznI?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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&nbsp;

Welcome back to Instant Reaction, the series here at <a class="text-accent" href="https://canucksarmy.com/schedule" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CanucksArmy</a> where we give you our instant reaction to tonight’s <a class="text-accent" href="https://canucksarmy.com/combinations" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Vancouver Canucks</a> game and ask our readers to do the same in the comments section below!
<div class="bam-inline-promotion-block" data-max-length="2" data-placement-id="2111" data-context="web-content-promocard" data-property-id="329"></div>
&nbsp;

This game started with a bang, as Thatcher Demko needed to make his first stop of the night a great one as he robbed Bo Horvat with a right pad save.

https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1905043698683183344

The first period featured two teams on the outskirts of the playoff picture playing to not make a mistake and certainly to not get scored on. Yes, it was a bit of a boring first as both teams tried to lock it down and suffocate the other's offence.

The Canucks were the worse team at that, but thankfully they had Demko there to bail them out. After Elias Pettersson, the defenceman, got caught deep, Demko robbed Horvat once again after another Islanders 2-on-1 chance.

https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1905048761472344105

Shortly after, Demko made a tough save look far too easy when he calmly swallowed up a grade-A chance from Anthony Duclair.

https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1905049296699052343

The opening 20 ended in a scoreless tie.

Kiefer Sherwood came out with a vengeance to kick off the second period, opening the scoring in this one quickly.

https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1905057491102351597

1-0 Canucks.

Shortly after, the Canucks got the game's first power play as Bo Horvat was called for hauling down Derek Forbort. That didn't go very well.

Quinn Hughes and Jonathan Lekkerimäki had a bit of a miscommunication at the Islanders' blueline and the result was an off man rush the other way and a shorthanded goal for the home side.

https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1905059000347185446

1-1. 

Shortly after, the Islanders took their first lead of the evening. This time, it was a rare bad rebound from Demko that found its way to Tony DeAngelo, who buried a shot past Demko to make it 2-1 Islanders. 

https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1905060954683109845

That also didn't last long, as Aatu Räty was rewarded for some excellent work on the forecheck and in front of the net when he deflected a Marcus Pettersson point shot to tie this one up.

https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1905063679282102663

2-2. 

Gotta feel good for the kid there. Just look at the pure elation on his face.

And just as the period was coming to an end, *checks notes* Derek Forbort moved in off the rush and fired one glove side on Sorokin to give the Canucks a lead late in the second.

https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1905066296833917402

3-2 Canucks.

Teddy Blueger turned that into a two goal lead very early into the third, after a nice feed from Conor Garland in the offensive zone.

https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1905071636501659797

Sorokin sure was having trouble with the low glove side shots tonight. 4-2 Canucks. 

That was it for Sorokin.

With over four minutes remaining, Patrick Roy pulled his goaltender to give the Isles a 6-on-4 advantage while trailing by two goals.

Kiefer Sherwood picked up his third point of the night when he buried the empty netter to put a bow on this one and make it 5-2 Canucks.

https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1905079631214244084

Some more takeaways from tonight:

-Aatu Räty had some great jump in his game tonight. Going to be interesting to see if he can finish this season strong and prove to be a solid bottom six centre for this team. He's waiver eligible next season, so it's time.
-Anyone else at <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/what-vancouver-canucks-plan-b-if-cant-sign-centre-free-agency-canucks-conversation">least think about a Bo Horvat reunion</a>?
-Who else is excited for MLB Opening Day? Do we have any baseball fans on this site? Mariners fans?
-Derek Forbort has been so steady for the Canucks this season, and is <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/who-vancouver-canucks-unsung-hero-for-2024-25-nhl-season">likely my pick for unsung hero</a>.
-To do this <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/vancouver-canucks-forwards-elias-pettersson-nils-hoglander-home-will-miss-rest-of-road-trip">without Elias Pettersson (the forward) and Nils Höglander</a> is downright impressive, and these players deserve praise for the commitment they're showing right now.
-Nice to get some goals from unexpected sources.
-Another great start for Thatcher Demko.
-Not. Dead. Yet. This team doesn't have many losses left to give if they want to make the playoffs, and with the competition around them continuing to win, <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/4-things-need-happen-vancouver-canucks-make-playoffs">all the Canucks can do is keep on winning</a>. The rest is out of their control.

What's your instant reaction to tonight's game? Let us know in the comments section below! And be sure to tune into Rink Wide Vancouver moments after the final horn!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDZOKmEnznI

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&nbsp;

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