Islanders Edge Canucks in Elmont

The Vancouver Canucks suffered their fifth consecutive defeat on Tuesday night, falling 3-2 to the New York Islanders at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y.

Kyle Palmieri led the offense for the Islanders (3-3-0), scoring two goals in the victory. New York opened the scoring 14:57 into the first period when Palmieri redirected a point shot from Matthew Kessel following an unsuccessful clearing attempt by Vancouver. Just 53 seconds later, Matias Maccelli doubled the advantage for the home side, capitalizing on a turnover by Zeev Buium with a high shot set up by Schaefer.

Vancouver Fights Back Before Palmieri Decides It

Vancouver (2-6-0) rallied in the second period to tie the game. Max Sasson scored his second goal of the season 7:52 into the frame, converting a touch pass from Arshdeep Bains. Late in the period at 18:55, Brock Boeser leveled the contest 2-2 with a power-play goal off a pass from Elias Pettersson. The tally marked Boeser’s 80th career power-play goal, moving him ahead of Todd Bertuzzi for fifth place on the franchise’s all-time list.

Palmieri secured the winning goal 5:38 into the third period, beating Canucks goaltender Leevi Merilainen with a screen shot after sustained offensive pressure. Merilainen turned aside 35 of 38 shots in the loss, while New York goaltender llya Sorokin made 23 saves to earn the win.

Late Drama and Upcoming Road Schedule

The Canucks faced adversity late in the final period when an uncalled cross-check to the back of Liam Öhgren by Ondrej Palat was followed by a hooking penalty against Buium. Vancouver pulled Merilainen for an extra skater and received a 5-on-4 power-play opportunity when Adam Pelech was penalized with 15.6 seconds remaining, but the visitors could not find an equalizer.

Vancouver converted 1-of-4 power-play chances on the night, while New York went 0-for-3. Former Canucks captain Bo Horvat extended his season-opening point streak to six games with an assist for the Islanders. The Canucks were without injured players Filip Chytil (shoulder) and Thatcher Demko (hip), while Victor Mancini, Guillaume Brisebois, and Aatu Räty were scratched. Vancouver continues its six-game road trip on Thursday against the Florida Panthers.

A High-Stakes Gamble on the Ice and in the Polls

During an October campaign stop at the Victoria Curling Club, B.C. NDP Leader David Eby joined candidate Richard Zussman to sweep stones across the sheet. The lighthearted moment comes at a tense period for the premier, who called a provincial election for Oct. 24—less than two years into his current mandate.

Eby triggered the snap vote on Sept. 22, shortly after the B.C. Conservatives appointed interim leader Lorne Doerkson following Kerry-Lynne Findlay’s resignation. Doerkson quickly brought back several MLAs who had briefly defected to CentreBC, stabilizing his party’s caucus. Despite recent polls showing the NDP behind the Conservatives, Eby defended his timing, stating his focus was on ensuring a functioning legislature and elected members who advocate for local priorities.

Reflecting on a Career Built on Risk

Eby has a long history of taking political risks. In 2011, he ran as a 33-year-old against former premier Christy Clark, narrowly losing before defeating her in a 2013 rematch. He later stepped back from a potential party leadership run when his wife, Cailey Lynch, became pregnant with their first child. The couple now has three children. Eby went on to manage prominent cabinet portfolios under late premier John Horgan before assuming the premier’s office in 2022.

Former law school friend Megan Leslie recalled Eby’s early activism, noting he co-founded the Social Activist Law Student Association at Dalhousie University, played in local bands, and joined Vancouver’s Pivot Legal Society and the B.C. Civil Liberties Association. Former colleagues described him as a driven advocate with strong leadership energy.

Critics Question Past Results and Future Outcomes

Former B.C. Liberal cabinet minister Mike de Jong warned that calling an early election while holding a one-seat majority could be viewed as tactical self-interest. He suggested that if the NDP loses, the decision could be seen as a major political mistake. Clark also offered a critical view, arguing that while Eby remains a formidable campaign opponent, he faces challenges in delivering policy results, highlighting the province’s projected $14-billion deficit.

When asked if he would remain party leader in the event of an election defeat, Eby refrained from giving a definitive answer, expressing confidence in British Columbia voters to determine the province’s path on election day.

Vancouver Drops Fourth Consecutive Decision on Road Swing

The Vancouver Canucks suffered their fourth straight loss Sunday afternoon, falling 6-2 to the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Vancouver now holds a 2-5-0 record on the season as their six-game road trip continues.

Rangers Seize Momentum with Multi-Goal Performances

Tye Kartye and Will Cuylle each provided two goals to power the Rangers offensive attack. Kartye opened the scoring just 27 seconds into the first period by converting a rebound off a shot from former Canuck J.T. Miller. Later in the second period, Kartye added his second goal of the game, while Cuylle struck in both the second and third frames. Alexis Lafrenière, marking his 25th birthday, and Gabe Perreault supplied the remaining New York goals. Miller and Mika Zibanejad contributed two assists each to aid the New York offense, which went 1-for-2 on power-play opportunities.

Local Goaltender Steps Into Starting Role

In goal for New York, Victoria product and former Kamloops Blazers standout Dylan Garand stopped 19 of 21 shots to claim the win. Garand stepped into the starting spot following a season-ending injury to Rangers starter Igor Shesterkin on Friday. On the opposite side, Vancouver netminder Kevin Lankinen turned away 19 of 25 shots in the defeat.

Canucks Scoring and Upcoming Schedule

Jake DeBrusk briefly leveled the score for Vancouver in the opening frame with his third goal of the year. During the second period, defenceman Elias Pettersson netted a shorthanded goal off a cross-ice pass from Brendan Gallagher, who picked up his first point since arriving from Montreal during the off-season. Vancouver was unable to capitalize on its sole power play. The Canucks will look to rebound on Tuesday when they visit the New York Islanders.