Carson Soucy's late second-period goal clinched a vital 3-2 victory for the Vancouver Canucks against the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday. Jake DeBrusk opened the scoring for the Canucks with his 22nd goal of the season on a power play. Teddy Blueger also found the net, marking his first goal since December 21. Filip Hronek added two assists, showcasing his playmaking ability.

The game was not without its challenges for the Ducks; starting goaltender John Gibson left the game after sustaining an injury in a collision, with Lukas Dostal stepping in. Anaheim initially took the lead with Sam Colangelo's goal, but they struggled to keep pace with Vancouver, who outshot them significantly in the first period. This win is crucial for the Canucks as they vie for a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference.

The NHL is entering a break as teams prepare for the 4 Nations Face-Off, bringing an exciting opportunity for fans to witness top-tier hockey. A total of 94 games will take place this week, with teams like Montreal and Ottawa facing off in multiple matchups, and Boston also hosting key games. Some players, like Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks, have shown remarkable form with multiple goals recently. Meanwhile, players like Leo Carlsson have hit a slump, raising concerns about their consistency.

Team updates highlight significant injuries, including Charlie McAvoy returning to Boston's lineup while others, such as Hampus Lindholm, will be absent. The Buffalo Sabres are in contract negotiations with key restricted and unrestricted free agents, indicating their intent to bolster the team long-term. On trades, Calgary made headlines by acquiring Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee, suggesting a strategic move to enhance their roster while Philadelphia restructured for future benefits.

Across the league, various teams are adjusting to injuries and player performance. For example, in Minnesota, Kirill Kaprizov's injury may thwart his Hart Trophy candidacy as he recovers from surgery. The Washington Capitals secured Logan Thompson on a notable contract, recognizing the goaltender's crucial role in the team's success.

Wichita Thunder secured a convincing 6-2 victory over the Tulsa Oilers in Oklahoma, marking a strong start to their road trip. Michal Stinil and Ryan Finnegan each scored two goals, while Kobe Walker contributed with three points. Stinil's early goals set the tone, and Gabriel Carriere made 30 saves for his first regulation win.

Despite a brief response from Jaxsen Wiebe, Wichita maintained control, with Finnegan and Nico Somerville extending the lead. The Thunder's offensive depth was evident as multiple players contributed to the scoring, showcasing their strong start to the season.