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Canucks Shut Down Ducks Behind Tolopilo's 32 Saves
Rookie goaltender Nikita Tolopilo leads Vancouver to 2-0 win over Anaheim
Jan. 30, 2026 at 5:47am
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Rookie goaltender Nikita Tolopilo made 32 saves in his seventh NHL start, leading the Vancouver Canucks to a 2-0 win against the visiting Anaheim Ducks on Thursday night. Drew O'Connor and Teddy Blueger scored for the Canucks, who had dropped 14 of their previous 15 games. Lukas Dostal made 24 saves for the Ducks, who have lost two in a row following a seven-game winning streak.
Why it matters
The win snaps a tough stretch for the Canucks, who have struggled mightily in recent weeks. Tolopilo's strong performance in net could provide a much-needed boost as the team looks to turn things around. For the Ducks, the loss ends their brief winning streak and highlights their continued injury woes, with key players like Leo Carlsson and Mason McTavish still sidelined.
The details
O'Connor scored the game's first goal with a one-timer from the right hashmarks off a feed from Jake DeBrusk in the third period. Blueger added an empty-net goal in the final minute to seal the victory for the Canucks. Tolopilo, who was called up this week after Thatcher Demko's season-ending surgery, made several key saves to preserve the shutout. Dostal kept the Ducks in the game with 24 saves, but the team's offense was stifled without their top two centers.
- The game was played on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
- O'Connor scored the opening goal at 10:18 of the third period.
- Blueger scored the empty-net goal with 28 seconds remaining.
The players
Nikita Tolopilo
A 32-year-old rookie goaltender for the Vancouver Canucks who made 32 saves to earn the shutout victory.
Drew O'Connor
A forward for the Vancouver Canucks who scored the game's opening goal in the third period.
Teddy Blueger
A forward for the Vancouver Canucks who scored an empty-net goal to seal the 2-0 victory.
Lukas Dostal
The goaltender for the Anaheim Ducks who made 24 saves in the loss.
Leo Carlsson
The Ducks' top center who missed his ninth straight game due to a left thigh injury.
What they’re saying
“Nikita really stepped up for us tonight. His performance was a big reason we were able to get this win.”
— Bruce Boudreau, Head Coach, Vancouver Canucks
What’s next
The Canucks will look to build on this win as they continue their push for a playoff spot, while the Ducks will hope to get some of their injured players back soon to help turn things around.
The takeaway
Tolopilo's stellar NHL debut gives the Canucks a much-needed boost in net, providing a glimmer of hope during a difficult stretch. Meanwhile, the Ducks' injury woes continue to hamper their efforts to maintain their recent winning form.
