Abbotsford Canucks Live: It's a 5 p.m., game 3 in Texas with Abby up 2-0 in series
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If the Stars expect to stage a series rally and take the next step to claiming their second Calder Cup championship in 11 years — former Canucks bench boss Willie Desjardins was at the helm in a 2014 title season — they'll have to get past standout stopper Arturs Silovs.
He's on the cusp of equalling another AHL playoff record and is in constant about his NHL future.
Silovs, 24, who made 29 saves Saturday in a 1-0 blanking of the Stars in Abbotsford, has five post-season shutouts to go with his league-leading 1.61 goals-against average and .941 saves percentage. The shutout record of six is held by former Canucks goaltender Mika Noronen, who established the mark by backstopping the Rochester Americans to the league crown in 2000.
'It's our game overall,' Silovs said of Abbotsford's playoff progression. 'We're getting better every single game by doing the right things by blocking shots and taking guys away from the net front. And we're doing a good job on the PK with guys sacrificing their bodies.
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Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors It's not breaking news, but it's significant for the former Vancouver Canucks winger. He has five goals in his last 10 post-season games, after just 10 goals in 52 regular-season outings, and is on an expiring two-year, $1.55-million US contract with the parent Florida Panthers. The Checkers have won eight-straight playoff games, are 10-2 in the post-season, and swept their last two series. 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