Facebook Pixel tracking image

Canucks survive late scare to edge Roadrunners

Darren Francis Photography

Sammy Blais scored twice and Artūrs Šilovs stopped a penalty shot with 34.6 seconds left in regulation as Abbotsford held off Tucson, 4-3, in Game 1 of their Pacific Division first-round series on Wednesday evening.

The teams go right back at it on Thursday night with the Canucks looking to wrap up the series.

Blais, a Stanley Cup champion with St. Louis in 2019, scored two power-play goals in the second period as Abbotsford opened up a 4-1 lead.

Tucson came back with a goal from Travis Barron late in the second – the first shorthanded goal allowed by the Canucks all season – and one from Artem Duda with 12:31 left in regulation to make it 4-3.

The Roadrunners were pressing for the tying goal when Å ilovs was whistled for intentionally displacing the net in the final minute. Å ilovs denied defenseman Max Szuber on the penalty shot to preserve the victory.

Tristen Nielsen and Linus Karlsson also scored for Abbotsford, and Arshdeep Bains registered two assists. Å ilovs finished with 21 saves to pick up the win.

Barron recorded three points on the night for the Roadrunners, tying a club playoff record. Matt Villalta stopped 19 of 23 shots in the Tucson net.

(Abbotsford leads series, 1-0)
Game 1 – Wed., Apr. 23 – ABBOTSFORD 4, Tucson 3
Game 2 – Thu., Apr. 24 – Tucson at Abbotsford, 10:00
*Game 3 – Sat., Apr. 26 – Tucson at Abbotsford, 10:00
*if necessary… All times Eastern