Last week, the Abbotsford Canucks did something they’d never done in franchise history — clinched a spot in the Calder Cup Division Finals. They defeated the Coachella Valley Firebirds in four games to send themselves to the final eight of the 2025 Calder Cup Playoffs. Tonight, May 16, is the first game of their third-round series in which they’ll take on the conference-leading Colorado Eagles.
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Despite Colorado placing higher in the standings, Abbotsford registered the better record against the Eagles with six wins and two losses. Historically, the Abbotsford Centre has been a difficult building for the Eagles to win in, as the AHL Canucks have a record of 8–2–1–1 against Colorado at home. The two teams were only separated by two points in the regular season standings, with Abbotsford’s 13-game win streak helping them make a late push for Colorado’s position of first in the division.
Abbotsford has not had a hard time scoring goals against the Eagles. In their eight matchups this season, the AHL Canucks scored 28 goals, with half of their games resulting in four or more goals. Jonathan Lekkerimäki leads the team in goal-scoring against Colorado with six tallies in five games played. In terms of point totals, Christian Wolanin leads the way with one goal and eight assists in six games played, followed by Lekkerimäki (6–2) and Arshdeep Bains (3–5). Abbotsford’s lineup for Game 1 is currently unknown, though Wolanin has missed the past five games due to injury.
Vancouver Canucks fans will be greeted by a familiar face on the Eagles during this series, as former Canuck for 59 games, Jayson Megna, is Colorado’s captain. He has six points in Colorado’s four playoff games and registered two assists against Abbotsford during their regular season matchups. Fans who see a jersey with the name “Makar” on the back won’t have to worry about Colorado Avalanche star Cale Makar, as his brother, Taylor, is the one playing with the Eagles. Colorado’s team leader in regular season scoring against Abbotsford is Mark Senden, who had two goals and three assists in six games played.
A key part of Abbotsford’s postseason success has been the stellar play of Artūrs Šilovs, who has been one of the league’s best goaltenders since the start of playoffs. Šilovs has the lowest GAA of all goaltenders who have played seven games with 1.74. Behind him is former Canucks prospect Michael DiPietro, who has 1.85. The Latvian goalie also has a league-leading five wins in the postseason and two shutouts. In the regular season, Šilovs played solid games against the Eagles, winning all four games played and posting a 1.72 GAA.
With two games at home to start the series, Abbotsford will look to build off the atmosphere at Abbotsford Centre and take an early lead.
Division Final Schedule:
Game 1 at Abbotsford - Friday, May 16 at 7:00 pm PT
Game 2 at Abbotsford - Sunday, May 18 at 6:00 pm PT
Game 3 at Colorado - Wednesday, May 21 at 6:05 pm PT
*Game 4 at Colorado - Friday, May 23 at 6:05 pm PT
*Game 5 at Colorado - Monday, May 26 at 2:05 pm PT
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