Lekkerimaki Leads Abbotsford Canucks to Brink of Calder Cup Glory
Wow, what a game that was! If you're following the Calder Cup Finals, you know the Abbotsford Canucks are absolutely on fire right now. After their thrilling 3-2 win over Charlotte in Game 4, they’re now just one win away from securing the first AHL championship in franchise history. This is a massive moment not just for Abbotsford fans, but for the entire Vancouver Canucks organization.
The star of the night? None other than Jonathan Lekkerimaki. He came out with something to prove and delivered big time. After being a healthy scratch earlier in the playoffs, Lekkerimaki wasted no time making an impact. He scored the opening goal just a minute into the game, finishing off a slick 2-on-1 play with a precise one-timer off a cross-ice feed from Ty Mueller. That quick strike set the tone for the Canucks and electrified the crowd at Abbotsford Centre.
And speaking of Ty Mueller — he was everywhere. Two key assists and a ton of smart, responsible play. Arshdeep Bains followed up in the second period with a beautiful solo effort to extend the lead to 2-0, showing off some slick hands and quick thinking. This kid is playing like a seasoned pro.
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Let’s not forget about Arturs Silovs, either. The Abbotsford goalie made 30 saves and had some absolutely jaw-dropping stops. Whether it was a glove save on a one-timer or shutting down a tight-angle attempt with a shoulder save, Silovs stood tall. Charlotte kept pushing, especially in the third, but he gave them nothing easy.
Lekkerimaki wasn’t done after his first. Early in the third period, he struck again — this time on a breakaway with a smooth five-hole finish to make it 3-0. That was his second of the night and his third of the playoffs. Pretty impressive for a 20-year-old Swede who was on the bench just a week ago.
Now, Charlotte did mount a late push. Kyle Criscuolo scored on a power play to cut the lead to 3-1, and Jack Devine added another in the final seconds to make it 3-2. But despite the surge and their previously perfect road record this postseason, Charlotte couldn’t pull off the comeback.
This Abbotsford team has been battling all postseason long, and now they have a chance to close it out at home in Game 5. The energy in that building is going to be absolutely electric. A win would mark the first Calder Cup in franchise history, and it’s clear that this squad — full of young talent, NHL prospects, and hunger — has the belief and momentum to finish the job.
So buckle up, hockey fans. Abbotsford is on the cusp of something historic, and Saturday night could be one for the ages.
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