Rossi's OT Winner Lifts Canucks Over Ducks

Canucks rally from behind to clinch playoff spot with thrilling victory

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:03am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the chaotic overtime action of a hockey game, with fragmented and overlapping shapes in the team colors representing the players, puck, and ice surface.The Canucks' dramatic overtime victory against the Ducks showcases the raw energy and intensity of NHL playoff hockey.Anaheim Today

In a back-and-forth affair, the Vancouver Canucks defeated the Anaheim Ducks 4-3 in overtime, with Marco Rossi scoring the game-winning goal on the power play. The Canucks overcame an early deficit, getting goals from Curtis Douglas, Jake DeBrusk, and Brock Boeser, before Rossi's heroics in the extra period secured the crucial two points.

Why it matters

The win keeps the Canucks' playoff hopes alive, as they continue to battle for a postseason berth in the competitive Western Conference. For the Ducks, the loss is a setback in their quest to clinch a playoff spot, with two tough games against the Wild and Predators remaining on their schedule.

The details

The game started with a big hit from Radko Gudas on Liam Öhgren, leading to a fight between Gudas and Teddy Blueger. Cutter Gauthier opened the scoring for the Ducks, but Curtis Douglas tied it up for the Canucks with his first career goal. The teams traded goals in the third period, with Boeser's shorthanded tally giving the Canucks a 3-2 lead before Gauthier and Leo Carlsson scored to even the game at 3-3 and force overtime. In the extra period, Rossi's power-play winner capped off the Canucks' comeback victory.

  • The game started with a big hit from Radko Gudas on Liam Öhgren in the first period.
  • Cutter Gauthier scored the opening goal for the Ducks in the first period.
  • Curtis Douglas scored his first career goal to tie the game in the first period.
  • Brock Boeser scored a shorthanded goal to give the Canucks a 3-2 lead in the third period.
  • Marco Rossi scored the game-winning goal on the power play in overtime.

The players

Marco Rossi

The Canucks' star center, who scored the game-winning goal in overtime on the power play.

Radko Gudas

The Ducks' veteran defenseman, who was involved in a big hit and fight in the game.

Teddy Blueger

The Ducks' forward, who fought with Gudas after the latter's hit on Öhgren.

Cutter Gauthier

The Ducks' young forward, who scored two goals in the game.

Curtis Douglas

The Canucks' forward, who scored his first career goal in the game.

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What they’re saying

“That's the exact kind of thing you want to see from a veteran player — and any Canuck, really — when a young player gets laid out.”

— Brendan Batchelor, Canucks Analyst

“Seeing the excitement from not just Douglas, but every other player on the ice was awesome. You always remember your first!”

— David Quadrelli, Canucks Writer

What’s next

The Ducks' final two regular-season games are against the Minnesota Wild and Nashville Predators, and a win against the Canucks would have clinched a playoff berth for Anaheim. With the loss, the Ducks will need to regroup and try to secure a postseason spot in their remaining contests.

The takeaway

This thrilling overtime victory keeps the Canucks firmly in the playoff hunt, showcasing the team's resilience and ability to battle back from behind. The performance of young players like Curtis Douglas and Marco Rossi, along with the veteran leadership of Brock Boeser, underscores the Canucks' depth and bright future.