The Abbotsford Canucks managed a win on the road in Colorado, but ultimately allowed the Eagles to earn three of four crucial points in the Pacific Division standings from games on Friday (Feb. 7) and Saturday (Feb. 8).
The Canucks led most of the game on Friday, and opened up lead of 1-0, 2-1, 3-2, 4-2 but the Eagles kept battling back.
Colorado then pushed the game to overtime and a 4-4 tie after scoring a power play goal with just 11 seconds left. However, Abbotsford's Arshdeep Bains refused to give up on a rebound opportunity in the extra frame and led the Canucks to a 5-4 victory with the overtime winner.
Bains with the game winner. He has had an outstanding night. (two goals, one assist and two shots on goal) pic.twitter.com/MtHcRjrBCA
— Ben Lypka (@BenLypka) February 8, 2025
Bains had a two goals and one assist and was named he game's first star. Abbotsford also got goals from Cole McWard, Max Sasson and Cooper Walker. Canucks forward Aatu Räty continued his strong play and contributed with two assists. He has now recorded 26 points in 26 games this season.
Arturs Silovs made 25 saves for his seventh AHL win this season. Abbotsford did out shoot Colorado 35-29, with Sasson posting a team-high five shots on goal.
Saturday was a different story for Abbotsford, as they fell behind 2-0 early, but then replied with goals from Tristen Nielsen and Sammy Blais in the second. Colorado then exploded for three goals in the late-second and early-third periods to go up for good. Jonathan Lekkerimaki added a goal at 11:58 of the third period to make it a 5-3 final.
Abbotsford was out shot 32-29 in the loss and Canucks goalie Nikita Tolopilo made 24 saves in the loss. Forward Dino Kambeitz and defenceman Akito Hirose both finished the game at -3. Lekkerimaki led all players with six shots on goal. The game featured just three penalties called.
Final from Colorado. pic.twitter.com/nwS10Ud7LC
— Abbotsford Canucks (@abbycanucks) February 9, 2025
The Canucks return home for games against the Eagles on Saturday (Feb. 15) and Monday (Feb. 17). Saturday's game is being promoted as Country Night and will feature live music performances and a western theme. Monday is a special Family Day game and has a face-off time of 2 p.m.
The club is expected to receive a full roster of available talent from Vancouver this week, as the NHL is participating in the 4-Nations Face-Off event from Feb. 12 to 20. There will be no NHL games during that time.
For more on the team, visit abbotsford.canucks.com.
