Last-place Canucks stun NHL-leading Avalanche in high-scoring affair

Brock Boeser's hat trick and Marcus Pettersson's late goal lift Vancouver to victory over Colorado.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 4:55am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The struggling Vancouver Canucks overcame a four-goal deficit to defeat the NHL-leading Colorado Avalanche 8-6 in a wild game on Wednesday night. Brock Boeser recorded a hat trick for the Canucks, while Nathan MacKinnon scored his 50th goal of the season in a losing effort for the Avalanche.

Why it matters

This unexpected victory for the last-place Canucks over the league-leading Avalanche is a major upset that shakes up the NHL standings. It also showcases the Canucks' offensive firepower and resilience, despite their overall poor season performance.

The details

The Canucks jumped out to a 4-0 lead early in the game, but the Avalanche stormed back to tie it 4-4. Vancouver then regained the lead, only for Colorado to tie it again at 6-6. In the final minutes, Marcus Pettersson scored the game-winning goal for the Canucks, completing the stunning comeback victory.

  • The game was played on Wednesday, April 2, 2026.

The players

Brock Boeser

A forward for the Vancouver Canucks who recorded a hat trick in the game.

Marcus Pettersson

A defenseman for the Vancouver Canucks who scored the game-winning goal late in the third period.

Nathan MacKinnon

A star forward for the Colorado Avalanche who scored his 50th goal of the season in the losing effort.

Vancouver Canucks

The NHL team that pulled off the upset victory over the league-leading Colorado Avalanche.

Colorado Avalanche

The NHL team that suffered a surprising loss to the last-place Canucks despite holding the league's best record.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We knew we had to dig deep and fight back. The guys showed a lot of heart to come back from that early deficit.”

— Brock Boeser, Forward, Vancouver Canucks

“It's a tough loss, but credit to the Canucks for not giving up. We'll need to regroup and get back on track.”

— Nathan MacKinnon, Forward, Colorado Avalanche

What’s next

The Canucks will look to build on this upset victory as they continue their season, while the Avalanche will aim to bounce back from the surprising loss.

The takeaway

This game showcases the unpredictability of the NHL, where even the league's worst team can defeat the best on any given night. It also highlights the Canucks' offensive firepower and resilience, as well as the Avalanche's vulnerability to an upset despite their dominant season.