TUCSON, Ariz. – The Abbotsford Canucks wrapped up their three game road trip in Tucson on Saturday night, looking to bounce back after falling to the Roadrunners on Friday.
Ryan McGregor of Tucson battles along the boards with Abbotsford’s Vasily Podkolzin – Photo by Max Williamson
Sheldon Dries returned from his one game suspension as he centered a line with Arshdeep Bains and Linus Karlsson. Chase Wouters lined up along side Tristen Nielsen and Vasily Podkolzin for the first time this season, while Aatu Räty and Marc Gatcomb flanked John Stevens. Aidan McDonough and Ty Glover completed the forwards group.
Tucson’s Justin Kirkland puts a shot on goal – Photo by Max Williamson
Christian Wolanin and Jett Woo continued their consistent pairing on the blue line, as Nick Cicek made his Abbotsford debut along side Matt Irwin. Quinn Schmiemann, Cole McWard and Chad Nychuk completed the lineup, as Nychuk formed the seventh defenceman. Nikita Tolopilo started in goal for the visitors, while Matthew Villalta returned to the Roadrunners’ net for the second time in as many nights.
Tucson winger Austin Poganski battles for position with Abbotsford captain Chase Wouters – Photo by Max Williamson
Karlsson wasted no time getting the Canucks on the board, as he opened the scoring 45 seconds into the contest. Chase Wouters spun away from his defender along the left boards before he backhanded the puck across the face of goal to Karlsson, who jammed it past an outstretched Villata. Karlsson’s fifth goal of the season was soon followed up by another Canucks’ tally.
Josh Doan of Tucson and John Stevens of Abbotsford fight for a faceoff win – Photo by Max Williamson
Podkolzin broke down the left side and dropped the puck back to McWard at the blue line. McWard hesitated, then fired a low slapshot that beat Villalta through a screen. McWard’s second of the campaign came just past the halfway mark of the opening period.
Roadrunners center Ryan McGregor bids for a wraparound goal – Photo by Max Williamson
Nathan Smith would grab one back for the hosts, as he jumped on a loose puck in front of Tolopilo. A quick move shifted the puck to his backhand, who beat the Abbotsford netminder to cut the deficit to one with six minutes remaining.
Tucson fans toss stuffed animals onto ice after Nathan Smith scores Teddy Bear Toss goal – Photo by Max Williamson
Abbotsford would take the 2-1 lead into the first intermission, where they also held an 8-6 advantage in the shot count.
John Leonard would score in the first three minutes of the period to tie the game up at two, converting on a two-on-one breakaway for his fourth of the season. However the Canucks would re-take the lead before they broke for the second intermission.
Canucks winger Arshdeep Bains plays the puck – Photo by Max Williamson
Matt Irwin intercepted a pass in the offensive zone, before shooting the puck wide where he found Sheldon Dries. Dries rang the puck around the back of the goal to set up Bains, who span and found Karlsson alone in front of goal. Karlsson buried his second of the contest and put Abbotsford in front with three minutes left in the period.
The Canucks held that lead and stood in front 3-2, outshooting Tucson 15-14 through 40 minutes.
Canucks defenseman Cole McWard looks to gain control of the puck in the defensive zone – Photo by Max Williamson
Both Aidan McDonough and John Stevens would add on to the Canucks’ lead after a pair of Tucson turnovers in the Roadrunners’ defensive zone. They broke up play in the high slot and beat Villalta 15 seconds apart from each other. Their fourth and sixth of the season respectively came just after the halfway mark of the final frame, increasing the Canucks’ lead to 5-2.
Canucks defenseman Christian Wolanin puts a shot on goal – Photo by Max Williamson
Sheldon Dries would grab an empty net goal in the final minutes to secure a 6-2 road victory for the Canucks in Tucson on Saturday night.
The win was the first road victory by either side in the all-time head to head series, while Karlsson’s two goals were his eighth point in his last six AHL games (4G, 4A). Tolopilo made 19 saves on 21 efforts, while Villata conceded five times on 22 shots.
Abbotsford goaltender Nikita Tolopilo makes a pad save – Photo by Max Williamson
Abbotsford defenseman Christian Wolanin attempts to get the puck by Tucson goaltender Matthew Villalta – Photo by Max Williamson
Abbotsford center John Stevens checks Tucson Defenseman Max Szuber into the boards – Photo by Max Williamson
Battle for a loose puck along the boards behind the net – Photo by Max Williamson
Abbotsford will return home for their final home games of 2023 against the Ontario Reign on Wednesday, December 20th and Thursday the 21st. The Canucks will wrap up the calendar year on the road in Calgary on December 28th and 29th, and start 2024 with stops in Bakersfield and Coachella Valley.
Article by BEN RIGHETTI of Abbotsford Canucks
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