Canucks Lose Shootout to Leafs Despite Tolopilo's Heroics

Rookie defenseman Tom Willander impresses in tough matchup against Tavares and Nylander

Feb. 1, 2026 at 3:15pm

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The Vancouver Canucks couldn't hold onto their slim lead, falling 3-2 in a shootout against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Goaltender Nikita Tolopilo put on a stellar performance, stopping over 2 expected goals, but the Canucks were ultimately outmatched by the Leafs' offensive onslaught in the third period. Rookie defenseman Tom Willander also had a strong showing, holding his own against the tough Tavares-Nylander duo.

Why it matters

The loss extends the Canucks' struggles, as they remain one of the worst teams in the NHL this season. However, the strong performances from young players like Tolopilo and Willander provide some hope for the team's future, even as the current campaign continues to be a disappointment.

The details

The Canucks held a slim lead for much of the game, but the Leafs stormed back in the third period, outshooting Vancouver 7-2 in high-danger chances and generating 1.91 expected goals to the Canucks' 0.39. Despite the lopsided possession and chances, Tolopilo kept the Canucks in it, posting a 2.02 goals saved above expected. Rookie defenseman Tom Willander also held his own against the tough Tavares-Nylander duo, limiting high-danger chances against to just 1-5.

  • The Canucks have now played 1,000 regular season games since the start of the 2013-14 season, posting a .513 points percentage over that span.
  • The loss to the Leafs came on February 1, 2026.

The players

Nikita Tolopilo

The Belarusian goaltender was the main reason the Canucks escaped with a point, stopping over 2 expected goals and making 9 saves on high-danger shots.

Tom Willander

The rookie defenseman was tasked with matching up against the Tavares-Nylander duo and held his own, limiting high-danger chances against to just 1-5.

Evander Kane

The struggling winger posted a 22.50 Corsi percentage, the worst on the team, and had poor underlying numbers across the board.

Elias Pettersson

The defenseman led the Canucks in expected goals for with a 59.14 xGF%, and generated a team-best 1.25 xGF.

Drew O'Connor

The winger had a strong game, leading the Canucks in Corsi percentage and finishing tied for fourth on the team in expected goals for.

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What they’re saying

“Maybe the Canucks can build around Drew O'Connor.”

— Jason Brough (Twitter)

“I don't care if he lost, that was my favorite game from a Canucks goaltender this season. Nikita Tolopilo fought for every save and to borrow a Bieksa saying, looked like he was playing with a cigarette in his mouth.”

— Wyatt Arndt (Twitter)

“Anyone else thinking the Canucks could have something special on and off the ice in Tom Willander?”

— Don Taylor (Twitter)

What’s next

The Canucks will head on the road to take on the Utah Mammoth on February 2, 2026.

The takeaway

While the Canucks' struggles continue, the strong performances from young players like Tolopilo and Willander provide hope for the team's future. However, the Canucks will need to address issues with veteran contributors like Evander Kane if they hope to turn things around this season.