In a thrilling overtime finish, the Vancouver Canucks edged out the San Jose Sharks with a 2-1 victory on Thursday. The game-winning moment came when forward Drew O’Connor was awarded a penalty shot after being impeded by Sharks center Macklin Celebrini during a breakaway. O’Connor capitalized on the opportunity, netting his second goal in three games since joining the Canucks from the Pittsburgh Penguins.

This marked only the second time in Canucks history that a player scored on a penalty shot in overtime, the first being Ben Hutton against Arizona on November 17, 2016.

Goaltender Thatcher Demko was instrumental in the win, stopping 33 of 34 shots and maintaining his perfect 13-0-0 record against the Sharks. The Canucks have now won 15 of their last 16 matchups against San Jose, dating back to January 2020.

The game’s first goal came in the third period when Dakota Joshua tipped in a shot from Pius Suter during a power play. The Sharks responded late in the period, with Tyler Toffoli scoring his 20th goal of the season, sending the game into overtime.

The Canucks will next face the Toronto Maple Leafs, while the Sharks are set to play against the Dallas Stars.