Abbotsford Canucks secure their spot in the second round

Credit: Abbotsford Canucks/x

April 26, 2025 marks the final game between the Abbotsford Canucks and Tucson Roadrunners, the winner of this faceoff will move onto the second round. 

Artūrs Šilovs got his third start in net. The Abbotsford win would put him as Abbotsford’s franchise goalie with the most playoff wins. 

Abbotsford opened the scoring in the first, however, the official waved it off, leading to fans vocalizing their disappointment. 

Both teams fought hard, with physicality ramping up. Each team took multiple hits, while the refs had to keep a close eye on the plays. 

Tristen Nielsen officially opened the scoring for Abbotsford at 16:14 in the first. This was Nielsen’s second goal of the playoffs. 

A fight broke out with 1:33 left in the first. Tucson took the first penalty of the game for interference, putting Abbotsford on the man advantage.

With 47 seconds to go in the Abbotsford power play, Abbotsford’s Nielsen would take a penalty for hooking at 19:40. Putting the game to 4-on-4. 

The first period ended 1-0 for Abbotsford. Both teams would start the second period a man down. 

Chase Wouters opened the scoring 46 seconds in to the second period with a short handed goal. This was his first goal of the playoffs. 

Abbotsford killed off their penalty and the game remained 2-0. Tensions were high as both teams battled for the puck. Abbotsford looking to keep their lead, while Tucson looked to secure a goal. 

Tucson took a 5 minute major penalty for interference against Ty Mueller. This put Abbotsford back on the man advantage. 

Max Sasson capitalized on this advantage getting the third goal of the game and his first of the playoffs. Making the game 3-0 for Abbotsford. 

Nielsen took his second penalty of the night for goaltender interference, making the game 4-on-4 for 2 minutes. 

Abbotsford killed their second penalty of the night. This would put Abbotsford back on the man advantage for 1 minute. 

Arshdeep Bains took Abbotsford’s third penalty of the game for crosschecking. Giving Tucson the man advantage. 

With 2:05 Abbotsford’s Akito Hirose took a penalty for crosschecking. Putting Tucson on the man advantage to end the period. 

Abbotsford remained 3 for 3 on the penalty kill in the second. The second period ended 3-0 for Abbotsford. 

Tucson would take their third penalty of the game for roughing at the beginning of the third. Putting Abbotsford back on the power play, however, Tucson was able to successfully kill the penalty. Keeping the game 3-0 for Abbotsford. 

Moments after killing their third penalty Tucson took their fourth penalty of the night for crosschecking. Abbotsford back on the power play looking to once again capitalize on the man advantage. 

Sammy Blais scored the fourth goal of the night and his third of the playoffs. This would also be the third power play goal of the game. 

Jujhar Khaira took Abbotsford’s fifth penalty of the night for tripping. Putting Abbotsford back on the penalty kill. 

Tucson pulled their goalie giving them a 6-4 advantage. Abbotsford’s strong defensive plays and goaltending would keep Tucson from securing a goal during their power play. 

Phillip Di Giuseppe scored an empty net goal at 17:09 in the third, making it the fifth goal of the night and his first of the playoffs. 

Nielsen took his third penalty of the night for hooking. Putting Tucson on the power play for the last 2 minutes of the game. 

Abbotsford killed off their final penalty of the night making them 6 for 6 on the penalty kills. This would secure Abbotsford a 5-0 victory over Tucson.

Šilovs got a shutout and would make him Abbotsford’s franchise goalie with the most playoff wins. 

This was a huge victory for Abbotsford, with multiple players having a multipoint game. Arshdeep Bains with two assists, Chase Wouters with a goal and an assist, Max Sasson with a goal and an assist, and Tristen Nielsen with a goal and an assist. 

The Abbotsford Canucks move onto the second round against the Coachella Valley Firebirds. Their first faceoff in a best of five games will be Thursday May, 1, 2025 at Acrisure Arena.