Canucks grab 2-1 lead in Calder Cup final with 6-1 win over Checkers
ABBOTSFORD – Linus Karlsson had two goals and an assist in the third period to snap a 1-1 deadlock and the Abbotsford Canucks went on to defeat the visiting Charlotte Checkers 6-1 on Tuesday night to grab a 2-1 lead in the Calder Cup final.
It was the first game in the best-of-seven American Hockey League championship series that didn't require overtime to determine a winner.
Phillip Di Giuseppe, Sammy Blais, Arshdeep Bains and Tristen Nielsen also scored for the Canucks, who trailed 1-0 after the first period and were tied 1-1 heading into the third. Bains and Nielsen both scored into an empty net.
Oliver Okuliar scored for the Checkers, who need to win either Game 4 or Game 5 to get the series back to North Carolina.
Canucks netminder Arturs Silovs stopped 28 of 29 shots, while Kaapo Kahkonen made 22 saves in the Checkers' net.
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Game 4 is Thursday at the Abbotsford Centre.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 17, 2025.
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National Post
4 hours ago
- National Post
Abbotsford Canucks Recap: Big grit, big guns in 6-1 rout of Checkers to take series lead
Sammy Blais has been much more of a help than a hindrance for the Abbotsford Canucks in the AHL postseason. And that's something of significance. Article content After all, one look at his league-leading 75 penalty minutes in 20 games and it would be easy to suggest that the hulking veteran winger is making the wrong kind of impact. That would be inaccurate. His will to win has been one of the best stories. Article content Article content Article content While Blais, 29, has had lack-of-discipline moments in the playoffs with an old-school approach of striking fear into the opposition with the gift of gab and heavy hits, he has got to the net and is difficult to defend. Article content On Tuesday, he lit the fuse to erase a 1-0 deficit in the second period to help power a 6-1 rout of the Charlotte Checkers in Game 3 before a sold-out crowd at the Abbotsford Centre. It gave the Canucks a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven Calder Cup championship series that continues Thursday at the Abbotsford Centre. Article content The cheeky effort by Blais to fake a shot and then go roof didn't go unnoticed. It was inspirational. His teammates responded by pulling the trigger in impressive fashion and going 2-for-2 on the power play. Article content The Canucks erupted for three third-period goals in 10 minutes and their five in the frame came on 13 shots Arshdeep Bains scored twice while Linus Karlsson, Phil Di Giuseppe and Tristen Nielsen also connected. Bains finished with four points while Karlsson added three assists. Article content Article content Arturs Silovs was also sharp with 28 saves and he didn't have to make 30 or 40 to keep his club in the game like in the first two series games. The Canucks pushed the pace much better, got to the net, and defended better. Article content Article content Article content The Checkers are now 5-1 on the road in this post-season and the Canucks improve 9-2-0 at home. Article content Blais left the game in the first period and the returned and it's not a stretch to suggest that the veteran is playing through something and grinding it out. Article content And in Game 2 on Sunday, Blais had a goal and another primary assist. He was also assessed an odd goalie-interference infraction after his scoring effort in a 3-2 overtime setback. Article content His power-play effort Tuesday was his fifth point of the championship series. He also took a double minor for roughing in the second period. That's Blais. High risk. High reward. He has 17 points (5-12).
Vancouver Sun
4 hours ago
- Vancouver Sun
Abbotsford Canucks Recap: Big grit, big guns in 6-1 rout of Checkers to take series lead
Sammy Blais has been much more of a help than a hindrance for the Abbotsford Canucks in the AHL postseason. And that's something of significance. After all, one look at his league-leading 75 penalty minutes in 20 games and it would be easy to suggest that the hulking veteran winger is making the wrong kind of impact. That would be inaccurate. His will to win has been one of the best stories. While Blais, 29, has had lack-of-discipline moments in the playoffs with an old-school approach of striking fear into the opposition with the gift of gab and heavy hits, he has got to the net and is difficult to defend. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. On Tuesday, he lit the fuse to erase a 1-0 deficit in the second period to help power a 6-1 rout of the Charlotte Checkers in Game 3 before a sold-out crowd at the Abbotsford Centre. It gave the Canucks a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven Calder Cup championship series that continues Thursday at the Abbotsford Centre. The cheeky effort by Blais to fake a shot and then go roof didn't go unnoticed. It was inspirational. His teammates responded by pulling the trigger in impressive fashion and going 2-for-2 on the power play. The Canucks erupted for three third-period goals in 10 minutes and their five in the frame came on 13 shots Arshdeep Bains scored twice while Linus Karlsson, Phil Di Giuseppe and Tristen Nielsen also connected. Bains finished with four points while Karlsson added three assists. Arturs Silovs was also sharp with 28 saves and he didn't have to make 30 or 40 to keep his club in the game like in the first two series games. The Canucks pushed the pace much better, got to the net, and defended better. The Checkers are now 5-1 on the road in this post-season and the Canucks improve 9-2-0 at home. Blais left the game in the first period and the returned and it's not a stretch to suggest that the veteran is playing through something and grinding it out. He drew a pair of primary assists in the Calder Cup Finals road opener Friday for a dramatic 4-3 double-overtime victory over the Charlotte Checkers, finished with three shots, and stayed out of the penalty box. And in Game 2 on Sunday, Blais had a goal and another primary assist. He was also assessed an odd goalie-interference infraction after his scoring effort in a 3-2 overtime setback. His power-play effort Tuesday was his fifth point of the championship series. He also took a double minor for roughing in the second period. That's Blais. High risk. High reward. He has 17 points (5-12). It's quite the story. Blais signed an AHL contract with the parent Canucks and given a professional tryout to crack the roster. He had his moments, but not nearly enough foot speed and finish, and was assigned to Abbotsford. Instead of pouting, the veteran of 257 NHL games put up 40 points (14-26) in 51 games. Abbotsford gave Charlotte 10 power-plays through the first two series games — five in each outing — and the Canucks knew they would be playing with fire Tuesday if that trend continues. Even with paltry power-play numbers this post-season, the Checkers had struck twice with the man advantage. They won Game 2 with Canucks captain Chase Wouters in the box for a needless tripping minor. Abbotsford was also called for a trio of slashing infractions and pair of crosschecks. The Canucks were better Tuesday and went 3-for-3 on the penalty kill in Game 3. If you aren't able to watch the game in person, scroll down for the play-by-play updates from tonight's game. Hit the refresh button for the latest updates. THIRD PERIOD End of period. Canucks win 6-1. Shots were 29-29. 9:55: Big guns having a big night. Arsheep Bains with the empty-netter at 17:10 and then Tristen Nielsen with the cheeky backhand deke to make it 6-1. 9:50: Second goal of the night by Linus Karlsson to make it 3-1 in third period is now credited to Arshdeep Bains . 9:46: Getting a little ugly and edgy out there as Checkers' frustration rises. Arturs Silovs adds to it by denying Marcus Asplund from the slot. 9:38: Phil Di Giussepe picks the short high side off rush at 13:19 to make it 4-1. Arturs Silovs with the assist. 9:34: Oliver Okuliar with the high stick on Linus Karlsson for second power play of night. Arshdeep Bains then finds Karlsson open again on the backdoor for his second goal at 11:43 to put Abby up 3-1. 9:32: C.J. Smith jumps on turnover in Abby zone and Arturs Silovs calmly takes away any openings. Max Sasson then stopped on a partial breakaway. 9:29: Clubs are even a 22-22 on the shot clock. Abby is in a good place. Arturs Silovs doesn't have to make 40 or 50 saves tonight to keep his club in it or hold a lead. This one is there for the taking. 9:14: One for the highlight reels. Arshdeep Bains take hits at sideboards to make a play. And from his butt, he shovels puck to Max Sasson, whose cross-ice feed finds Linus Karlsson wide open at backdoor to make it 2-1 at 3:58. It's Karlsson's 11th goal of playoffs, to lead all snipers. Arshdeep Bains 🪑 Max Sasson 🪡 Linus Karlsson 🚨 @abbycanucks | @Canucks | @CanucksArmy #AHL #CalderCup #ProudlyAbbotsford #Canucks 9:12: John Leonard shot off Arturs Silovs' blocker goes sky high and he's the only one who knew where it was. Snags it like a centre-fielder up against the wall. 9:08: Checkers shot attempt from slot knocks stick out of hand of Arturs Silovs. Canucks scramble to clear puck out of zone so their stopper can regain his twig. Phil Di Giuseppe then denied in transition. SECOND PERIOD End of period. Game tied 1-1. Checkers up 18-15 in shots. 8:34: Arturs Silovs denies a pair of Checkers chances down low in final minute of period, including backhand deke by Rasmus Asplund with puck rolling off his stick. 8:37: Canucks are at 13 shots, their total for the entire night in Game 2. Totally different offensive presence in Game 3. 8:32: Checkers go on the offensive and Oliver Okuliar hits the post on power play. Sammy Blais drew a pair of roughing minors while Justin Sourdif also went off for roughing at 13:07. 8:17 Sammy Blais takes Arshdeep Bains feed, fakes shot at the backdoor, and then snaps home power-play equalizer at 6:43. It's 1-1. Blais has five points (2-3) in championship series. Blais pulls the @abbycanucks even at 1 in game 3!! @brandon_astle and @LandonFerraro have the call. LISTEN: 8:15: Canucks get their first power play of night as Rasmus Asplund called for hooking minor at 5:38. Checkers then get shorthanded chance. 8:12: Linus Karlsson starts play for neat give-and-go between Max Sasson and Arshdeep Bains for tip chance that nearly ties game. 8:07: Checkers almost catch lucky break when puck goes off skate of Max Sasson and trickles just wide of net. Jonathan Lekkerimaki then nearly springs Phil Di Giuseppe on breakaway. Lekkerimaki noticeable tonight. Key for Abby is to replicate first period with O-zone pressure and bodies to the net. It created plenty of screens and the Canucks could use a greasy goal to get back on even terms. Sammy Blais is obviously playing through something, but his grit is inspiring. Should rub off on his teammates. FIRST PERIOD End of period. Checkers up 1-0 and 9-8 on shot clock. 7:45: Two chances on one shift for rushing defenceman Victor Mancini. 7:40: Akito Hirose takes high-sticking minor at 16:10. Checkers get the first power play of night. Strong penalty kill limits Charlotte to late one-timer by Jesse Puljujarvi from sharp angle. 7:39: Former Canucks winger Will Lockwood unloads hot shot from slot that Arturs Silovs stops with shoulder. 7:32: Again, good O-zone pressure by Canucks. Phil Di Giuseppe pushes defender off puck and Ty Mueller gets shot away and rebound chance. More direct and determined to get pucks to the net. 7:29: Tristen Nielsen has strong forechecking shift to set up scoring chance. Being relentless on the puck is going to go a long way tonight for Abby. So is being resilent. 7:26: Good sign. Jonathan Lekkerimaki takes puck at speed through neutral zone and whips a shot just wide. He then gets a one-timer chance on same shift that forces Kaapo Kahkonen to make glove save. Sammy Blais, who left the game earlier, is back. 7:20: Oliver Okuliar, certified good tipper! 🚨 The Checkers lead 1-0 @CheckersHockey | @FlaPanthers | @LO_FLAPanthers #AHL #CalderCup #TimeToHunt Checkers finally have a strong shift. Arturs Silovs makes blocker save before point shot by Matt Kiersted is tipped at top of crease by Oliver Okuliar at 8:22 to open scoring. 7:17: Shots are one apiece, which is a big bonus for Abby. Controlling play in the O-zone, getting good looks but yet to click. Linus Karlsson then unloads a good Grade A chance. 7:08: Good first shift for Canucks, pushing the pace. Jett Woo drives down left side and hits the post with backhander up high. 6:35: HOME LINES FOR THE FINALS ‼️ 📺 | 📻 | Sportsnet 650 We have a Jonathan Lekkerimaki sighting in warm-up skate. Makes his series debut tonight after sitting out last five playoff games. Canucks need to push the pace more and make adjustments to stem the Checkers' wide margin in shots. Abby outshot 54-30 in Game 1 on Friday and 42-13 in Game 2 on Sunday. Can Lekkerimaki help? Hard to say. Held to five points (1-4) in 12 gamaes. He has been tentative in the postseason, not up to pace and pushed off pucks in battles. Offseason regiment is obvious. Get faster and stronger. Analyst Landon Ferraro suggesting motivation and fresh legs should help Lekkerimaki. On the ice in Abbotsford! bkuzma@ • Calder Cup Finals: Who were those gritty, grinding 2015 Utica Comets? And where are they now? • 2026 Winter Olympics: Arturs Silovs, Teddy Blueger, Quinn Hughes named to Olympic teams • Jonathan Lekkerimäki is noticeably absent from Abbotsford Canucks last four playoff games
Edmonton Journal
4 hours ago
- Edmonton Journal
Abbotsford Canucks Recap: Big grit, big guns in 6-1 rout of Checkers to take series lead
Article content While Blais, 29, has had lack-of-discipline moments in the playoffs with an old-school approach of striking fear into the opposition with the gift of gab and heavy hits, he has got to the net and is difficult to defend. On Tuesday, he lit the fuse to erase a 1-0 deficit in the second period to help power a 6-1 rout of the Charlotte Checkers in Game 3 before a sold-out crowd at the Abbotsford Centre. It gave the Canucks a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven Calder Cup championship series that continues Thursday at the Abbotsford Centre. The cheeky effort by Blais to fake a shot and then go roof didn't go unnoticed. It was inspirational. His teammates responded by pulling the trigger in impressive fashion and going 2-for-2 on the power play. The Canucks erupted for three third-period goals in 10 minutes and their five in the frame came on 13 shots Arshdeep Bains scored twice while Linus Karlsson, Phil Di Giuseppe and Tristen Nielsen also connected. Bains finished with four points while Karlsson added three assists.
