Abbotsford Canucks' Aatu Räty (54) battles with Colorado Eagles' TJ Tynan. (Photo by @abbycanucks/X)
The Abbotsford Canucks are heading into the third round of the AHL playoffs after a thrilling 2-0 win over the Coachella Valley FireBirds. With the home crowd roaring at a packed Abbotsford Centre, the team punched their ticket forward in style. Next up? A high-stakes showdown with the Colorado Eagles—the top team in the Pacific Division during the regular season.
Šilovs Steals the Show in Net
Goaltender Artūrs Šilovs continues to prove he thrives under pressure. The 24-year-old Latvian secured his second consecutive series-clinching shutout, stopping all 29 shots against the FireBirds. Earlier in the playoffs, he blanked the Tucson Roadrunners with 21 saves in their deciding game.
Šilovs is currently boasting a stunning .935 save percentage and a 1.74 goals-against average in the postseason. With two shutouts already, he’s become a cornerstone of the Canucks’ playoff success.
“This is what we train for all year,” said Šilovs. “Every moment counts. It’s emotional, intense, and so much fun.”
Coach Malhotra Praises Team Unity
Head coach Manny Malhotra emphasized the team’s structure and defensive resilience. He praised Šilovs' confidence and credited the whole squad for their commitment on the ice.
“Our group has been relentless,” said Malhotra. “We’re blocking shots, staying physical, and sticking to our game plan. Everyone’s bought in.”
Veterans Power the Offense
On the offensive front, leadership has come from veterans Sammy Blais, Jujhar Khaira, and Nate Smith. The trio has been a reliable force both offensively and defensively.
Blais currently leads the AHL playoffs with eight points (3 goals, 5 assists). A Stanley Cup winner with the St. Louis Blues in 2019, Blais brings playoff experience and intensity.
“He leads by example every shift,” said Malhotra. “He hunts pucks, stays physical, and does the little things right.”
Home Ice Advantage Keeps Momentum Rolling
The Abbotsford Centre has become a fortress for the Canucks. The team went 24-11-1 at home during the regular season and has continued the dominance in the playoffs, posting a 4-1 home record and outscoring opponents 15-8.
Jujhar Khaira, a local from Surrey, expressed his appreciation for the home crowd.
“This is what every player dreams of,” said Khaira. “The energy, the towels, the chants—it lifts us.”
Forward Max Sasson, who leads the AHL playoffs with 26 shots on goal, echoed the sentiment.
“Keep that energy coming,” said Sasson. “We feel it, and we’re feeding off it.” Youth Movement Showing Promise
Abbotsford is also benefiting from its young talent. Defenseman Kirill Kudryavtsev, just 21, has notched three points in six games. Fellow 22-year-olds Ty Mueller and Victor Mancini are contributing steadily, especially on the penalty kill.
The youngest of them all, 20-year-old Jonathan Lekkerimaki, missed three games due to oral surgery but remains a high-potential scorer. He netted 19 goals in 36 regular-season games and possesses a lethal wrist shot.
Captain Wouters Focused on the Challenge Ahead
Canucks captain Chase Wouters is ready for the third-round battle with the Colorado Eagles. The Canucks won six of their eight regular-season matchups with the Eagles, including all four at home.
“They’re fast and skilled,” Wouters said. “But we’re ready. The regular season is behind us—it’s all about the next game.”
Wouters also praised the crowd at the Abbotsford Centre.
“The support last game was unreal,” he said. “We can’t wait to get back out there.”
Looking Ahead: Round 3 Against the Eagles
The third round will follow a best-of-five format. Colorado enters as the higher seed, finishing the season with a 43-21-8 record. Abbotsford wasn’t far behind at 44-24-4. With a powerful mix of veteran leadership, standout goaltending, and rising young stars, the Canucks are poised for a fierce battle against the Eagles. Momentum is on their side—and they’re not looking back.
