The Vancouver Canucks were firing on all cylinders against the Calgary Flames, with contributions from up and down the lineup.

Head coach Rick Tocchet liked his team to play fast, predictable hockey and was pleased with the level of competition.

“I just thought there was a little turnover where you had six, seven sets of good changes and good smart play – managing the game, taking zones, not trying to force everything, I think that helps ” said Tocchet.

Elias Pettersson celebrated his 26th birthday with two points in the contest (1-1-2), placing his point total 10th all-time in Canucks history. The Sundsvall, Sweden native scored 421 points in 421 games with Vancouver.

“It’s pretty cool.” I didn’t know it was close, it’s funny,” Pettersson said.

The team has been working on the power play and Tocchet said Pettersson’s goal was a good example of what he wants to see on the power play.

“We beat the pressure and Millsy right away against Petey, there was no ‘let’s get him’ play – that’s the game, and you want to see more and a few good chances. We’ll build on that,” Tocchet said.

It was a night that Jonathan Lekkerimäki will remember for the rest of his life, winning his first NHL game and victorious in his first NHL game.

The 20-year-old forward’s family came from Sweden to watch him make his NHL debut.

“It’s very special (to have them at the match), they’ve been there since day one,” Lekkerimäki said.

“It was a special moment, I tried to enjoy it and have fun.”

From training camp until tonight’s game, Tocchet has seen Lekkerimäki’s play without the puck improve, and he praised the organization as a whole for helping the young forward.

“I have to credit Abbotsford, Manny and those guys…I think the twins (Sedins) caught it the last few days (also), that helped,” Tocchet said.

“It was great from Millsy on that line, and Pius helping him. When you communicate all the time with a young person, it really helps. I have to give these guys a lot of credit.