For the first time in franchise history, the Abbotsford Canucks are going to the third round of the Calder Cup Playoffs. On Friday, May 9, they took down the Coachella Valley Firebirds in a 2–0 victory to clinch their spot in the final eight. With the Division Final set to start on Friday, May 16, let’s look at some takeaways from Abbotsford’s second-round series.
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Penalty Kill Is Clicking
Of all teams still competing in the 2025 Calder Cup Playoffs, Abbotsford is one of two teams with a 100% kill rate on penalties. The only other team is the Rochester Americans, who have played four less games than the AHL Canucks. In all seven of their Calder Cup Playoff games, Abbotsford has received 20 penalties — fifth most of all active teams. As well, they have one shorthanded goal. They’ll need to be cautious in their next series, as the Eagles have the second-ranked power play of teams still in the Calder Cup Playoffs with 28.6%.
Team Depth Is Stepping Up
It’s no secret that one of Abbotsford’s biggest strengths this playoffs has been their depth. Injuries have forced players like Aatu Räty, Christian Wolanin, and Jett Woo to the sidelines. To the team’s credit, they’ve been playing as though they’re fully healthy.
“One of the major strengths of our group is our depth and the ability to plug in players at any position and change lineups, and guys play with different line mates, different D-pairings, but we're able to accomplish the same thing,” Abbotsford head coach Manny Malhotra said of the team’s depth.
Contributions have come all throughout Abbotsford’s lineup, with 10 different players pitching in three or more points. Seven different AHL Canucks have two or more goals, while Sammy Blais, Phil Di Giuseppe, and Linus Karlsson each have three.
Success From Šilovs
Artūrs Šilovs had one poor game in which he was pulled after 20 minutes of play. Every other game of his has been lights-out. He is tied with Buffalo Sabres prospect Devon Levi in shutouts with two and has the fifth-lowest GAA of all active playoff goaltenders with 1.74. His five wins are the most of all goalies currently still playing. Šilovs, the Vancouver Canucks’ playoff hero from the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, is continuing his hot streak of phenomenal play at times when his team needs him the most.
Pushing Back When Play Gets Physical
Both of Abbotsford’s series against Coachella Valley and the Tucson Roadrunners have pushed the AHL Canucks to physical brinks. Fans in attendance at the Abbotsford Centre are no stranger to the heavy hits that shake the glass. Virtually every game has been rough, ranging from scrums after the whistle to high-energy fights. The AHL Canucks have been more than ready to greet every challenge sent their way.
“It’s the playoffs, and both teams understand that if you lose this game, next game is a must-win. So nobody wants to be in that spot, and everybody’s trying to hit the guy,” Kirill Kudryavstev said of the team’s outlook towards physicality.
Abbotsford begins their Division Final matchup on Friday, May 16, at Abbotsford Centre at 7:00 pm PT. Game 2 takes place on Sunday, May 18 at 6:00 pm PT. The remaining series games will take place in Colorado on May 21 and May 23 at 6:05 pm PT and May 26 at 2:05 pm PT.
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