The Abbotsford Canucks played hard against the Bakersfield Condors on Wednesday night but lost 3-2. This was their second loss to their second playoff game, which means they are out in the first round of the Calder Cup playoffs.
#Canucks AHL Abbotsford knocked out of Calder Cup playoffs in Bakersfield. Lose game-two 3-2. Two-night sweep. Deets: https://t.co/DnHMntq1Pi
— Rob Simpson (@simmerpuck) May 5, 2022
The Abbotsford Canucks have had a tough year, navigating their way through COVID-19, which made it’s way to many of their players through this season. However, the fight the Abbotsford Canucks put up and the resilience demonstrated, including eight wins in a row late in the regular season- unfortunately wasn’t enough to win against the Condors (9-2-2) on home ice this season.
The Abbotsford Canucks lost in game 1 in overtime after giving up the goal that tied the game. In game 2 the Canucks tightened their defence and took the lead, just for the Condors to score a couple late goals in the second and third period. Sheldon Dries scored Abbotsford’s first goal during a power play in the first period. Former Canuck Adam Cracknell, scored for the Condors in the second period and Brad Malone scored early in the third period. Canuck Sheldon Rempal tied the game with seven minutes left in third. Cooper Marody ended the Canucks playoff hopes with two minutes left in the third period.
Canucks goaltender, Spencer Martin stopped 30 of 33 shots, following his 45-save effort in Game 1.
Abbotsford’s head coach, Trent Cull decided to go with the same lineup in Game 2, as in Game 1, which meant another night in the ‘press box’ for skilled prospect Danila Klimovich. Klimovich, 19, was picked in the second round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, and he is one of the younger players in the league. Canucks GM Ryan Johnson said, “For a kid that young to get his first kick at the can in the American League, the cultural change … there’s a lot of growth there,”
Podkolzin made a difference in both Game 1 and 2 for the Abbotsford Canucks. Podkolzin scored the Canucks goal in game 1 and in game 2 he was just as dangerous, assisting Rempal in his tying goal in the third period.
Vasily Podkolzin scored a goal, killed penalties, and lived up to the hype in his AHL debut https://t.co/SBnZI9gBwc #Canucks #NHL
— CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) May 4, 2022
The Abbotsford Canucks played hard but unfortunately the curtains are closed for a chance at the Calder Cup this season.