Wake With Elias- Oct 18, 2021: Abbotsford Canucks Win First Game

Danila Klimovich scored his second goal in as many games, and Arturs Silovs stopped 34 of 36 Ontario Reign shots, as well as all four in the shootout as the Abbotsford Canucks won their first ever AHL game, 3-2.

Klimovich’s goal in the second period is the team’s first PP goal, and the 18 year old has come out of the gate playing like a guy who simply refuses to get sent down the QMJHL in his first season of pro hockey.

Phil Di Giuseppe scored the other Canucks goal, and had the only tally in the shootout to give the team their first victory of this inaugural season. Vincent Arseneau had a good night, setting up both goals.

Silovs was definitely the story of the night, coming up with a number of big saves including five in overtime, when the Canucks were forced to kill off a Madison Bowey slashing penalty.

These two teams will meet again on Tuesday night in Ontario, CA before the Canucks return home for their home opener on Friday against the Henderson Silver Knights, the first of four straight at home to wind up the October portion of their schedule.

Just one game in the NHL last night, as the Dallas Stars were in Ottawa to take on the Senators. Two second period power play goals from Chris Tierney were the difference as the Sens moved to 2-1-0 on the season with a 3-2 over the Stars. Michael Raffl had a goal and an assist for Dallas, and Radek Faksa had two assists in a losing cause.

There’s four games in the NHL tonight: In Toronto, Auston Matthews will make his season debut as the New York Rangers are in town to take on the Maple Leafs. Dave Hakstol is back in Philadelphia as the Kraken take on the Flyers, the Anaheim Ducks are in Calgary for a contest with the Flames, and St Louis are in Arizona to visit the Coyotes.

The Canucks are in Buffalo to take on the currently undefeated Sabres. Game time is at 4pm, and we’ll have full coverage as always starting with the game preview tomorrow afternoon.

And in case you missed it, an awful story that came out yesterday about GM Jim Benning’s son and daughter getting attacked outside a club in Yaletown early Sunday morning. We hope that those responsible are brought to justice, and that his son makes a full recovery from his injuries.