It was a high-scoring affair on Tuesday night in Vancouver, and one that went right down to the wire.
The Canucks hosted the Montreal Canadiens, and it was a shootout. The two teams combined for more than 70 shots on goal and scored 12 times.
And even though Thomas Vanek netted a hat trick, it wasn't enough to give Vancouver the win. Montreal survived a late push to give it a 7-5 win.
Trois buts en troisième période propulsent les Canadiens vers leur première victoire du voyage! / A three-goal third period helps the Habs take it in Vancouver! #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/XMKappoFqW
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) December 20, 2017
Vanek got the scoring started nearly 12 minutes into the game when he latched on to the rebound of Derrick Pouliot's shot and slammed it home.
After back-to-back goals from the Canadiens, Vanek struck again 14 minutes into the second period after catching a pass from Alex Biega right in front of the net to tie the game back up 2-2.
With less than three minutes to go in the game, the Canadiens had jumped up to a 6-4 lead and time was running out. Then, with 61 seconds left on the clock, Vanek found the back of the net again, bringing Vancouver back within one.
Yet there simply wasn't enough time — and Montreal's Phillip Danault knocked one in with just 11 seconds left to seal the deal, giving the Canadiens the 7-5 win.