It's been a slow start to the season for new Canucks captain Bo Horvat. It was also a slow start to Vancouver's game on Tuesday against the Detroit Red Wings.
After two periods, the Canucks were in a 2-0 hole and left looking for inspiration.
They would find it in their captain.
Horvat exploded for his first hat trick of the season as part of the team's five-goal final frame.
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His first goal came 1:42 into the period when Horvat's quick stick dished in a loose puck near the crease.
One down, two go to! @BoHorvat has the #Canucks on the board. pic.twitter.com/DT8vuoShLT
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) October 23, 2019
Trailing 2-1, Horvat pulled his squad even less than two minutes later on a tipped shot from Quinn Hughes at the point.
Two down, one go to!!@BoHorvat ties the game with a perfect tip. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/0lQMuHOyP1
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) October 23, 2019
Goals 3 and 4 for the Canucks came courtesy of Jake Virtanen and Tim Schaller, respectively. It was the first goal of the season for each player.
Then the icing on the cake came, via a long empty-netter from sixth-year Canuck Horvat in front of his team's bench to complete his hat trick.
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"Obviously couldn't have come at a better time, to get a win out of it is huge," Horvat said of his three goals following the game.
Oh captain, my captain. 🎩🎩🎩 pic.twitter.com/IoevZJUKXN
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) October 23, 2019
Five goals. One period.
The @Canucks scored five goals in the third.
— NHL (@NHL) October 23, 2019
We repeat, they scored FIVE in the third period. pic.twitter.com/kBQNwD3mqP
The Canucks improve to 6-3-0 following their 5-2 win over the Red Wings, who drop to 3-6-0.