Ehlers' Hat Trick Lifts Hurricanes Past Canucks

Carolina extends lead in Eastern Conference with 6-4 victory over struggling Vancouver

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Nikolaj Ehlers scored a hat trick to power the Carolina Hurricanes to a 6-4 win over the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday. The Hurricanes overcame an early 2-1 deficit with four goals in the second period to take control of the game. Despite a late comeback attempt by the Canucks, Ehlers sealed the victory with an empty-net goal in the final minute.

Why it matters

The win extends Carolina's lead atop the Eastern Conference standings, while the Canucks remain mired in last place in the league with just two wins in their last 23 games. Ehlers' performance highlights the Hurricanes' offensive firepower as they push for a deep playoff run.

The details

Ehlers scored three goals, including the game-winner, to lead the Hurricanes' comeback. Sean Walker, Andrei Svechnikov and Sebastian Aho also scored for Carolina, which outshot Vancouver 35-22. Canucks goalie Kevin Lankinen was pulled after giving up four goals on 22 shots. Filip Hronek, Marco Rossi, Brock Boeser and Nils Hoglander scored for Vancouver, which held an early 2-1 lead before the Hurricanes took over.

  • The Hurricanes scored four goals in the second period to take control of the game.
  • Ehlers sealed the victory with an empty-net goal in the final minute.

The players

Nikolaj Ehlers

Carolina Hurricanes forward who scored a hat trick in the game.

Brandon Bussi

Hurricanes goaltender who made 18 saves to earn his 25th career win, the fastest in NHL history to reach that milestone.

Kevin Lankinen

Canucks starting goaltender who was pulled after giving up four goals on 22 shots.

Filip Hronek

Canucks defenseman who scored a goal and had two assists.

Marco Rossi

Canucks forward who scored a goal and had an assist.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to build on this momentum as we push towards the playoffs.”

— Rod Brind'Amour, Head Coach, Carolina Hurricanes (Hurricanes team statement)

“It's been a frustrating season, but we'll keep fighting to turn things around.”

— Elias Pettersson (Canucks team statement)

What’s next

The Hurricanes will look to extend their lead in the Eastern Conference when they host the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday. The struggling Canucks will try to snap their seven-game winless streak when they visit the Seattle Kraken on Saturday.

The takeaway

Nikolaj Ehlers' hat trick performance highlighted the Hurricanes' offensive firepower as they continue their push towards the playoffs, while the Canucks' ongoing struggles underscore the challenges they face in turning around their disappointing season.