Pettersson and Brannstrom have a goal and assist each and Canucks top Flames 3-1

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Elias Pettersson tied the game on the power play early in the second period and assisted on Erik Brannstrom’s goal in the third as the Vancouver Canucks beat the Calgary Flames 3-1 on Tuesday night.

Pius Suter also scored for the Canucks while J.T. Miller had two assists. Vancouver goaltender Kevin Lankinen stopped 28 shots.

Justin Kirkland scored for Calgary and Flames goalie Dan Vladar made 29 saves.

Brannstrom's goal was his first as a Canuck since he was obtained in an Oct. 6 deal with Colorado.

Swedish rookie Jonathan Lekkerimaki, the 15th pick in the 2022 draft, played his first game as a Canuck, taking Brock Boeser’s spot on the first-unit power play. Boeser is recovering from an upper-body injury after being hit in the head by Tanner Jeannot of the Los Angeles Kings last Thursday.

Canucks: Combined with his goal in the loss to Edmonton on Saturday night, it was the first time in 50 regular-season games that Pettersson has scored in back-to-back games. He last had consecutive goals in a three-game stretch from Jan. 15 to Jan. 20.

Flames: After winning five of their first six games the Flames have just three wins in their last 11 (3-6-2).

Calgary led 1-0 after scoring at the 19-minute mark of the first period but defenseman Daniil Miromanov was called for high-sticking just before the period ended. Pettersson tapped in Miller's shot to tie the game on the power play just 23 seconds into the second, then Suter made it 2-1 2:15 later.

The Canucks gave up the opening goal for the eighth consecutive game but are 5-2-1 during that stretch.

The Flames kick off a four-game homestand against the Predators on Friday, and the Canucks host the Islanders on Thursday.

AP NHL: https://www.apnews.com/hub/NHL

Calgary Falmes' Justin Kirkland, left, celebrates with Kevin Bahl after scoring a goal against the Vancouver Canucks during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Vancouver, British Columbia, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

Vancouver Canucks goalie Kevin Lankinen (right) squares up to stop Calgary Flames' MacKenzie Weegar (left) as Canucks' Filip Hronek defends during first period NHL hockey action in Vancouver, B.C., Tuesday, November 12, 2024. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

Vancouver Canucks' Filip Hronek, left, and Calgary Flames' Andrei Kuzmenko battle along the boards during first period NHL hockey action in Vancouver, B.C., Tuesday, November 12, 2024. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

Vancouver Canucks' Nils Hoglander, right, chases a loose puck after Calgary Flames' goalie Dan Vladar made a save during the third period of an NHL hockey game in Vancouver, British Columbia, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

Vancouver Canucks' Elias Pettersson, front, hits Calgary Flames' MacKenzie Weegar during first period of an NHL hockey game in Vancouver, B.C., Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

Vancouver Canucks' Erik Brannstrom, right, is congratulated by teammate Elias Pettersson after scoring a goal against the Calgary Flames during third period of an NHL hockey game in Vancouver, British Columbia, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. (Rich Lam/The Canadian Press via AP)

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Victor Wembanyama scored a career-high 50 points in a performance that left his San Antonio teammates and the opposition in awe.

Wembanyama shrugged, wondering when he will do better after the Spurs' 139-130 victory over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night.

“Really, my first thought is, eventually I want the rest of our performances, the rest of our games to overshadow this one,” said Wembanyama, the top pick in the 2023 draft. “I wish, I want to make it so that in the future it’s just another one.”

It’s the pragmatism that has enabled Wembanyama to blossom into one of the league’s youngest superstars.

“Very impressive,” Spurs point guard Chris Paul said.

At 20 years 314 days, Wembanyama is the fourth-youngest player to score 50 points, trailing only Brandon Jennings (20/52), LeBron James (20/80) and Devin Booker (20/145).

“The big fella, man,” San Antonio wing Julian Champagnie said. “I mean obviously that’s not where it’s going to be every night, but when he comes out with that mindset, man, it’s hard to, it’s hard (for the opposition). Big praise to him, big shout out to him. He’s working on his game.

“So, we’re super proud of him and that’s what we expect from him.”

Wembanyama was 8 for 16 on 3-pointers, establishing a career high after setting and tying that mark with six 3-pointers in his previous two games.

Wembanyama started quickly against the Wizards, hitting 3-pointers from 25 and 28 feet as the Spurs raced to a 13-3 lead.

“Probably not (played against anyone) who does everything on a high level,” Washington center Jonas Valanciunas said. “Them shots, the 3-point shots, we did everything to take that away, but he still managed them.”

Wembanyama had 24 points in the first half, his highest production in a first half, and then matched his highest production for any half with 26 in the final two quarters against the Wizards.

Wembanyama is the first player in league history with 20 3-pointers and 25 blocks over a six-game span.

Wembanyama is the eighth player in San Antonio franchise history to score 50 points in a game. David Robinson holds the franchise record with 71 points against the Los Angeles Clippers on April 24, 1994.

That accomplishment may mean something later, but Wembanyama was already focused on the game Friday night against the Los Angeles Lakers to open the Emirates NBA Cup.

“I love to celebrate the small wins and the big wins for a short amount of time, but tomorrow, we’re already locked in on the Lakers,” Wembanyama said.

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama (1) shoots against Washington Wizards' Alex Sarr (20) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama, right, passes to Spurs guard Blake Wesley during the second half of their NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 139-130. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul, second from left, speaks with Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during the second half of their NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 139-130. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) drives against Washington Wizards' Kyle Kuzma during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 139-130. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)