The Abbotsford Canucks’ penalty killing streak has officially ended. They surrendered their first power play goal in a 3–1 loss to the Colorado Eagles in Game 4 of the Division Finals. Nate Smith scored Abbotsford’s lone goal, while Artūrs Šilovs stopped 26 of Colorado’s 29 shots on net.
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The first period started off with a major chance for the AHL Canucks, as Jujhar Khaira’s breakaway opportunity was saved by Colorado’s Trent Miner. This was followed up by a chance from Chase Wouters that Miner also stopped. These saves by Miner helped the Eagles out on offence as only minutes later, a tip chance by Jean-Luc Foudy went past Šilovs and gave Colorado the opening goal. This marked the third straight game in which the Eagles scored the opening goal.
Despite the score, chances were relatively even between the two teams during the first period. Colorado bested Abbotsford in shot totals with an 8–6 lead, but the AHL Canucks made up for it in the quality of their chances. Timely blocks by the Eagles and quick saves by Miner kept the game in Colorado’s control.
Abbotsford stayed hemmed in their own zone at the start of the second period. Any breakout efforts by the AHL Canucks were neutralized by Colorado until a little less than four minutes into the period. After that, it was Abbotsford’s turn to sling shots onto the net, with the AHL Canucks earning the first power play of the game after Chris Wagner held Max Sasson down for an extended period of time. However, Colorado’s penalty kill tightened things up, leaving Abbotsford without a shot during their man-advantage.
The AHL Canucks’ penalty kill was tested — times tonight. They killed their first penalty, during which Phil Di Giuseppe sat for cross-checking, despite an extended period of Colorado o-zone time. Danila Klimovich took a roughing call in Colorado’s zone with only a couple of minutes left in the second period, sending Abbotsford back on the penalty kill. The 3–0 goal scored by Tye Felhaber ended the AHL Canucks’ streak of 30 penalties killed.
Abbotsford started the third period with a power play, though they were unable to capitalize on the opportunity even with a couple of looks for Jonathan Lekkerimäki. With the AHL Canucks’ penalty-killing streak now snapped, it felt as if the penalty-taking floodgates had opened. From Colorado’s power play goal with less than a minute left in the second period to the end of the game, Abbotsford took five penalties and three game misconducts. They finished the game with seven total taken.
The AHL Canucks were rewarded for their efforts with a goal, though the call itself was somewhat controversial. One referee blew their whistle on the play, but when Smith slid the puck into the net, the goal was counted as legal. Even with a quick review, the goal stayed. Abbotsford’s late push with the net empty was interrupted by some pushing and shoving that resulted in a handful of game misconducts being dealt.
Overall, special teams made a difference in tonight’s game. Colorado was the team to finally break Abbotsford’s streak of 30-straight penalties killed. On the flip side, the AHL Canucks were unable to capitaize on the two power plays they were given. Abbotsford will need to get their power play going in order to win Game 5 and make the Conference Finals.
Scoring Summary:
1st Period:
3:36 – COL: Jean-Luc Foudy (1) from Mark Senden and Hank Kempf
2nd Period:
11:14 – COL: Jayson Megna (5)
19:25 – COL: Tye Felhaber (4) from T.J. Tynan and Oskar Olausson (PPG)
3rd Period:
14:04 – ABB: Nate Smith (3) from Jujhar Khaira
Game 5 at Blue Arena: Monday, May 26 @ 2:05 pm PT
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