Nikita Tolopilo shines in NHL debut, backstops Vancouver Canucks to 2-1 overtime win over San Jose Sharks

In a night that Vancouver hockey fans will talk about for years, Nikita Tolopilo made a fantastic NHL debut , leading the Canucks to a dramatic 2-1 overtime victory over the San Jose Sharks . The 25-year-old Belarusian netminder's 15 saves not only earned him his first NHL win but also highlighted his cool demeanor in tough situations. With his family watching from a distance and his Abbotsford teammate Kirill Kudryavtsev there for support, Tolopilo's debut was nothing short of amazing.


Macklin Celebrini scores first NHL goal in Vancouver against the Canucks

Congrats to Nikita Tolopilo on his first win in the NHL! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/7VM3kWouAE

— NHL (@NHL) April 15, 2025

A lot of people were excited when Nikita Tolopilo played in his first NHL game at Rogers Arena in Vancouver. The 6-foot-6 goalie was signed by the Canucks in March 2023. He had been practicing with the Abbotsford Canucks the previous two seasons. He had an 18–14-6 record in the AHL this season, giving up 2.68 goals per game and a .901 save percentage.He had no trouble adjusting to the NHL, and he made 15 saves in the win.

Reflecting on his debut, Tolopilo remarked, “To be honest, I really wasn’t too nervous. I play hockey for a while every day. A little bit before the game but once I step on the ice, I feel good and just focus on the next shot. Just focus and do my job.” His composed demeanor on the ice was evident, even as his mother watched from Minsk, likely waking up at 5 a.m. to catch the game.


Rick Tocchet praised Nikita Tolopilo's size and poise and Kirill Kudryavtsev's strong play
Nikita Tolopilo wasn't the only newcomer making a big splash. Tolopilo's roommate in Abbotsford, defenseman Kirill Kudryavtsev, also made his NHL debut. The Russian, who is 21 years old, played for 13:33 minutes and blocked three shots to help the team's defense. Rick Tocchet, the head coach, gave both newbies good marks. He praised Tolopilo's size and poise and Kudryavtsev's strong play.

Nikita Tolopilo makes a nice glove save! He's been solid for the Canucks in his debut.

🎥: Sportsnet | #Canucks pic.twitter.com/R5nvQmMG61

— CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) April 15, 2025

In a moment of history for the Canucks, captain Quinn Hughes set up the extra goal, giving him 409 points, tied with Alex Edler for the most points by a defender in Canucks history. It took Hughes 432 games to reach this point, while it took Edler 925 games. Tocchet said nice things about Hughes, saying, "He's a pleasure to coach..." Every day, he grows as a leader.


Macklin Celebrini scored his 25th goal of the season
A youngster for the Sharks named Macklin Celebrini got a power-play goal at 4:20 of the second period, which was the only goal that was bad for Nikita Tolopilo's record. Celebrini scored his 25th goal of the season with a shot from the faceoff dot that went over the crossbar and in. It was also his first goal at Rogers Arena, a rink he knew well from when his dad played for the Canucks. Celebrini thought about what had happened and said, “Scoring in this building, I think it was just a dream as a kid to play in the NHL, and then scoring here is pretty cool.”

Nikita Tolopilo's NHL start showed how hard he had worked and how dedicated he was. With strong games from Kirill Kudryavtsev and Quinn Hughes, the Canucks showed how deep and talented they are. As Vancouver looks to the future, the rise of these young stars gives the city hope for long-term success. Tolopilo's first game wasn't just a personal win; it was also a sign of the Canucks' bright future.



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