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Vancouver Canucks fans troll Oilers after chaotic opening-night win

Preston Hodgkinson
Preston Hodgkinson
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Sep 30 2026, 9:36 pm
Vancouver Canucks fans troll Oilers after chaotic opening-night win
Perry Nelson/Imagn Images

That was one way to kick off a new season.

Nobody expected the rebuilding Vancouver Canucks to win a battle of attrition against Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday’s opening night, but they somehow managed to pull off a chaotic 6-5 OT victory.

It was an exciting game that saw the Canucks get contributions throughout the lineup, with newcomer Paul Cotter notching two goals, including the game-winner, and youngsters Jonathan LekkerimƤki, Marco Rossi, and Max Sasson getting on the scoresheet.

Even the much-maligned Elias Pettersson netted his first goal of the season, all while Kevin Lankinen stepped up when he needed to help secure the victory.

That isn’t how the Canucks season was supposed to kick off, but Vancouver fans aren’t complaining. In fact, the fanbase is basking in the unexpected victory and is taking their moment in the sunshine to dunk on the Oilers.

Some jokingly shared that it was time to declare the rebuild over and to get a head start on planning the eventual Stanley Cup parade.

“With the rebuild firmly over, we need to ask if the Stanley Cup parade should go down Robson or Georgia?” one Canucks fan asked.

“OUR FIRST GOAL OF THE SEASON WAS A SHORTHANDED GOAL!? I’ve seen enough; plan the parade,” said another.

“PARADE STARTS AT FRASER STREET,” said another excited Vancouver fan.

It’s certainly a great way to start off what many expected to be a painful season. Of course, the parade planning is hyperbole, but this Canucks squad showed a lot of fight in their season opener, and perhaps could surprise teams across the league with how difficult they are to play against.

While some fans focused on the jubilation of the victory, others took it as a chance to poke fun at the Oilers, who have garnered quite a rivalry with the Canucks over the years.

“LOST TO WHO? Oilers fans really flexed a preseason win just to lose a week later when it matters,” said one Canucks fan.

“How do you lose to the 26-27 CANUCKS,” said another Canucks fan enjoying the victory.

“Paul Cotter and Max Sasson own your franchise,” said another Vancouver fan.

“First year rebuilding Canucks btw,” one Vancouver fan felt the need to point out.

Is this an indication that the Canucks will eventually finish above the Oilers in the standings by the time the season is over? Likely not, but the fanbase is right to enjoy every bright spot this season has to offer, as the road ahead is expected to have quite a few valleys to navigate.

If the Canucks can sweep the home-and-home with the Oilers on Thursday night, however, then the narrative might start to change ever so slightly.

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