For the first time in franchise history, the Abbotsford Canucks are headed to the Calder Cup Finals. Standing in their path are the Charlotte Checkers, who are 10-2 so far in the playoffs. If the Canucks are going to make history and bring the Calder Cup to Abbotsford, they will need to shut down a familiar foe in Will Lockwood.
Before joining the Florida Panthers organization, Lockwood played three seasons with the Vancouver Canucks. From 2020-2023, the 2016 third-round pick played in 28 NHL games for Vancouver, as well as 96 in the AHL. Lockwood even played in Abbotsford's inaugural game and was part of the starting lineup alongside Phillip Di Giuseppe and Noah Juulsen.
Fast forward to this year and Lockwood has become a key contributor for Charlotte. He sits third in points with seven, while his five goals rank second. Lockwood has also recorded 24 shots on goal, and was credited with the series winner during the Checkers Atlantic Division Finals versus the Hershey Bears.
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Lockwood enters this series on a hot streak, as he has five points in his last five games. The majority of his points have come in the form of goals, with Lockwood having lit the lamp in two of his past three games. While he may not be generating a significant amount of shots, he is making them count and has played a key role in Charlotte's run to the championship.
2025 Calder Cup Finals Preview: Abbotsford Canucks Versus Charlotte Checkers
Tonight, the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/latest-news/the-abbotsford-canucks-road-to-the-2025-calder-cup-final">Abbotsford Canucks</a> will take part in their first ever Calder Cup Finals in franchise history. With series wins against the Tucson Roadrunners, Coachella Valley Firebirds, Colorado Eagles, and Texas Stars, Abbotsford has already clinched the title of Western Conference Champions. They are only one series win away from becoming the 2025 Calder Cup Champions — the only things that stand in their way are the Charlotte Checkers.
In the end, the Canucks will need to find a way to limit Lockwood's goal production if they want to capture the Calder Cup. He is well known to many on the Abbotsford roster, which could turn into an advantage during the series. If the Canucks can shut him down throughout the series, it will go a long way in helping Abbotsford capture their first championship.
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