The Abbotsford Canucks held on for a 3-2 win against the Charlotte Checkers in Game 4 of the Calder Cup Finals are are now one win away from the franchise's first title.
Jonathan Lekkerimaki, who rejoined the lineup in Game 3 after being scratched in Games 1 and 2, converted on a 2-on-1 in the first period after a slick pass from Ty Mueller. He scored again in the third to extend the lead to three on a similar rush, this time after a pass from Sammy Blais.
Arshdeep Bains continued his hot stretch of play with a crafty goal in the second period to make it 2-0. He now has six goals in his last six games and six points (3G-3A) in the Calder Cup Finals.
The Canucks were able to counterattack well and manage the Charlotte forecheck for the second straight game, all three goals came off the rush.
Charlotte were able to get one back mid-way through the third when Kyle Criscuolo one-timed a powerplay goal home after Jack Devine deked Guillaume Brisebois at the blueline and sent a nice pass across the slot.
Devine was then able to bang home his first career professional goal with 26 seconds to go. This was his first game since May 9th in Charlotte's series against the Providence Bruins, he will certainly remain in the lineup after looking dangerous at multiple points in Game 4.
Arturs Silovs was once again a difference maker for the Canucks, making 32 saves on 34 shots, including several in the final minutes. Kaapo Kahkonen made 20 saves on 23 shots and was solid despite facing less opportunities.
Game 5 and Abbotsford's first chance to win the Calder Cup comes Saturday June 21 at 6pm PDT/9pm EST in Abbotsford.
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Photo Credit: © John Jones-Imagn Images