In a dramatic twist worthy of a Hollywood script, Vancouver Canucks forward Danila Klimovich, who was a healthy scratch for the first three games of the Western Conference Final, etched his name into playoff lore with a stunning high backhand goal at 2:32 of the second overtime. The goal lifted the Canucks to a 3-2 victory and gave them a pivotal edge in the series.
Klimovich, just 22 and in only his second NHL postseason appearance, was inserted into the lineup after injuries forced coach Rick Tocchet to shuffle his bottom-six forwards. The Belarusian winger, known more for his raw potential than polished NHL play, had logged limited minutes this season—but made every second count when it mattered most.
The game-winner came after a tense and grinding double-overtime battle at Rogers Arena. With both teams exhausted and chances scarce, Klimovich took a feed from defenseman Quinn Hughes in stride, cut inside the circle, and lifted a perfectly placed backhander top shelf, beating the outstretched glove of Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner.
“I just saw the opening and went for it,” Klimovich said post-game, still breathless and grinning. “It’s a dream come true.”
The goal triggered bedlam among the Canucks faithful, who had waited through nearly five full periods of nail-biting hockey. It also gave Vancouver a 2-1 series lead, shifting momentum back to the home side in this highly anticipated Western Conference Final.
Coach Tocchet praised Klimovich’s resilience: “He stayed ready. We told him to be patient and prepared. That was a big-time finish.”
For Klimovich, who spent parts of the season in Abbotsford (AHL) and faced doubts about his NHL readiness, this moment could be a turning point in his career—and possibly in the Canucks’ playoff run.
Game 4 is scheduled for Friday night in Vancouver. With Klimovich’s heroics fresh in everyone’s minds, all eyes will be on whether the Canucks can ride the wave—and whether their unexpected hero has more magic left in his stick.
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