Pettersson scores a pair in the Canucks’ 4-3 win over the Sharks

The Vancouver Canucks gave the fans and themselves the perfect gift before Christmas: a 4-3 win against the San Jose Sharks.

Head coach Rick Tocchet felt it was a good game overall and a win by committee.

“I thought the power play was great to score that goal, Thatcher was solid, I think everyone contributed tonight. “Obviously our captain has some things to contend with (and) playing to get two points for us, I’m really proud of him, he did it tonight,” Tocchet said.

Quinn Hughes provided two assists in the contest, including the go-ahead goal, and was pleased with the way the team started the game.

“I’m glad we were able to get the two points. I thought we clearly invested from the start of the game and (now we can) enjoy the next few days,” Hughes said.

Elias Pettersson scored twice in the win and Hughes said it was great that Pettersson had a multi-goal game, pointing out that his talented teammate had a knack for goals.

“He’s too good. At some point he would break out. I’m glad he was able to do that tonight. “I hope he can enjoy the next few days like we all do, regroup and get going,” said Hughes.

Keifer Sherwood has scored eight goals in his last 11 home games and said his team’s offensive success starts in the defensive zone.

“Being reliable defensively, going hard against the walls and limiting their chances to score. I think they had quite a bit of possession tonight but if we keep it out then it’s good. On offense we can come in and be easy. I think it’s easy for us to read off each other and then we get the pucks back and then we start doing those hectic shifts and stuff and that’s what we’re looking for. Sherwood said.

For Hughes, Sherwood and Tocchet, it was crucial that Danton Heinen and Tyler Myers stood up for their teammates and gave the team some momentum.

“As a coach, I like that stuff. Stand up for each other and that was a big moment for both guys when they stepped in for us in the fight,” Tocchet said.

Thatcher Demko maintains his perfect record against the Sharks and extended his all-time record against San Jose to 12-0-0 by stopping 26 of 29 shots he faced.

Goals

Sharks winger William Eklund took an early lead with a five-on-three, but the Canucks answered shortly after.

Hughes came down the left side and put the puck in the net, Brock Boeser pushed it in, tying the game at 1-1 before the first intermission.