The Vancouver Canucks reached their zenith in the 2023-24 season when they ruled the Pacific Division with 109 points. There was a feeling that there was no stopping Vancouver, but the NHL has a way of humbling up-and-coming teams. The next season, the Canucks were pushed to the fifth spot in the Pacific with 90 points. Injuries slashed Vancouver’s potential, and they threatened to do the same in 2025.
Fast-forward to now. The Canucks valiantly faced the Edmonton Oilers without Quinn Hughes, the face of the franchise. Hughes was out day-to-day with a lower-body injury, but Vancouver still took down Edmonton in overtime.
Vancouver Canucks Clinch Short-Staffed Win Against Edmonton Oilers
Playing without Hughes may have triggered doubt and uncertainty among the Canucks brass. Yet, Vancouver tackled its Canadian foe to secure a 4-3 win.
Canucks winger Kiefer Sherwood acknowledged the defenseman’s mammoth role and stated that while it would be impossible to replace him, the Canucks had to rally. Coach Adam Foote had a plan for the team, and the entire lineup had to follow it meticulously.
“With Quinn Hughes out of the lineup for the game, Sherwood said it’s impossible to replace Hughes, but they had to focus on playing a team game, trusting the process and the plan the coaching staff laid out to get the win,” reported Lindsey Horsting.
The Canucks were also dealing with the premature exit of defenseman Victor Mancini. The d-man exited during the second period, further exacerbating the Canucks’ injury woes. Mancini didn’t return to the game. Vancouver had to play shorthanded, beleaguered by the absence of several others, such as Teddy Blueger, Nils Hoglander, Derek Forbort, Filip Chytil, and Jonathan Lekkerimäki.
#Canucks players currently injured:
Quinn Hughes, Victor Mancini, Teddy Blueger, Nils Höglander, Derek Forbort, Filip Chytil and Jonathan Lekkerimäki https://t.co/aiZUHkItoz— Adam Kierszenblat (@Adamkblat) October 27, 2025
The last thing the Canucks would have wanted under such circumstances was extra time. Facing Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid without Hughes was a tall task. However, Vancouver rose to the occasion and came away with a statement win.
Sherwood played an instrumental role in securing the win. He had two goals against the Oilers, including the overtime winner.
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“There’s definitely top-tier talent on their side, and like I said, we have to stick to what we know best and kind of rely on the group, and that starts with our D and our goaltending. So, it was nice that we buckled down and just got the job done,” Sherwood said after the game.
Hughes is the Canucks’ leader and their best player. Without him, the team is definitely compromised. However, the roster proved it can rise when necessary, effectively filling Hughes’ absence to keep treading water.
