Hurricanes Edge Canucks in High-Scoring Affair: Ehlers Nets Hat Trick

The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Vancouver Canucks 6-4 at Rogers Arena on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, in a game that saw Nikolaj Ehlers score a hat trick. Despite a spirited comeback from Vancouver, Carolina’s strong offensive performance proved to be the difference.

Game Recap

Nikolaj Ehlers led the Hurricanes with three goals, while Sean Walker, Andrei Svechnikov and Sebastian Aho each contributed a goal and an assist. Brandon Bussi made 18 saves for Carolina, improving to 25-3-1 for the season. The Hurricanes have now gone 11-1-2 in their last 14 games.

Canucks Battle Back

Vancouver saw goals from Marco Rossi, Filip Hronek, Brock Boeser, and Nils Höglander. Despite the loss, the Canucks demonstrated resilience, particularly with a strong push in the third period. Kevin Lankinen initially started in net for Vancouver, stopping 18 of 22 shots before being replaced by Nikita Tolopilo, who allowed one goal on 10 shots.

First Period Fireworks

The Hurricanes opened the scoring on a power play less than a minute into the game. Still, the Canucks quickly responded with goals from Marco Rossi and Filip Hronek within a minute of each other, taking a 2-1 lead. Hronek’s goal came off a strong play from Linus Karlsson.

Hurricanes Surge in the Second

Carolina regained the lead early in the second period with a goal from Sean Walker. Nikolaj Ehlers then added two quick goals, extending the Hurricanes’ lead to 5-2. Vancouver’s Elias Pettersson recorded a shot on goal during a power play, but Carolina continued to control the momentum. Sebastian Aho added another goal for Carolina before the end of the period.

Canucks Push in the Third

Vancouver began the third period on the power play but failed to convert. Nils Höglander scored his first goal of the season, bringing the Canucks within one goal. Despite a late push and several scoring opportunities, including a strong performance from Elias Pettersson, the Canucks were unable to tie the game. Andrei Svechnikov scored into an empty net with 14 seconds remaining to seal the victory for Carolina.

Key Performances

• Filip Hronek: Recorded three points for the Canucks, including a goal.
• Elias Pettersson: Had a strong game, contributing offensively and setting up Höglander’s goal.
• Nikolaj Ehlers: Scored a hat trick for the Hurricanes.
• Brandon Bussi: Made 18 saves in the win.

Looking Ahead

The Hurricanes will look to continue their strong form in their next game, while the Canucks will aim to bounce back from their seventh consecutive loss.

Sources: NHL.com, CanucksArmy.com, TheHockeyNews.com, Sportsnet.ca