Another month of May, another memorable Canucks playoff run for goalie Artūrs Šilovs.
And while this year it might be Abbotsford and not Vancouver, the unflappable Latvian netminder bounced back after being pulled in game two and went on to stop 54 of 55 shots in games three and four to help the Canucks eliminate the Coachella Valley Firebirds 3-1.
Šilovs was perfect in Friday's (May 9) game four and blanked the Firebirds in a Canucks 2-0 win. That's the second straight close-out game shutout in these playoffs for Šilovs, as he also earned a shutout in the decisive game three in round one against the Tucson Roadrunners.
Another series clinching shutout for Arty! 🚫
— X - Abbotsford Canucks (@abbycanucks) May 10, 2025
5/16 ⚫️ pic.x.com/gNK6QJ8t63
The postseason, whether it's the AHL or the NHL, has been where Šilovs has shined in his young career and part of that success could be attributed to his ability to have a short memory. He allowed three goals on eight shots and got yanked in game two against the Firebirds on May 3, but said he was able to move on quickly after that performance.
"Game two was like lucky bounces, hits our d-men and gets in the net," he said, reflecting on game two. "You don't really care about those kind of nights because you can't really do anything about it – it's just puck luck. But yeah, bounce back for games three and four – so that's what matters."
Šilovs said he lives for the high pressure moments of the playoffs.
"It's so much fun to play at this moment of the year," he said. "You want to put everything on the line. I feel great under the pressure."
Sasson on the power play, 1-0 Abbotsford. Nice to see him get rewarded finally this series pic.x.com/aKblTszcuT
— Ben Lypka (@BenLypka) May 10, 2025
Canucks forward Max Sasson also praised the play of his goalie. Sasson scored what turned into the game-winning goal on the power play at 9:51 of the first period.
"Every single time it's a big moment he steps up and plays his best game," Sasson said of Šilovs. "We're so confident playing in front of him. We know we might only need a couple of goals to win a game. He's special and he's shown why he's such a fan favourite."
Abbotsford head coach Manny Malhotra agreed that Šilovs stepped up. There was some chatter about who might start in game three after the game two loss, but Malhotra proved his faith in Šilovs was warranted.
"When he plays with confidence it goes through the whole group," he said. "When we know he's feeling it and comfortable and confident in the net, we're able to play our game. We want to limit the number of quality chances that the other team gets but when they do get those looks he's been standing tall."
Although there wasn't a lot of activity on the scoreboard, both teams had plenty of offensive chances with Šilovs and Firebirds goalie Nikke Kokko making some critical saves. The Sasson goal held until Linus Karlsson added an empty net goal at 18:29 of the third to seal the win.
The Canucks did not allow a shorthanded goal in this series and had perfect penalty killing throughout the AHL playoffs. They have killed off all 20 times they have been a man down. Sasson's power play goal was the lone PPG in the series.
Abbotsford wins 2-0, eliminates CV 3-1 and now play Colorado in the Pacific Division final pic.x.com/1mRNu2g4za
— Ben Lypka (@BenLypka) May 10, 2025
Coachella Valley out shot Abbotsford 29-24, while both Karlsson and Sammy Blais had a team-high four shots on goal. The line of Blais, Nate Smith and Jujhar Khaira were major factors in Abbotsford's win. Khaira said it's a joy to play alongside Blais and Smith.
"I think we all bring similar aspects to the game but different aspects as well," he said of the line. "Sammy has that composure out there, Smitty scores and skates up and down the ice so well and I try to create space out there for them."
Khaira recalled playing against Blais and said it's a lot more enjoyable being on the same team as him.
"You see it with his play – he talks, he gets into it with guys out there but he's such a great player," he said. "I played against him a ton too – hated playing against him but glad he's on my line now. I crack up playing with him, it's fun to watch and and his skill set and the plays he makes are awesome. All you really need to do is get open and he'll find you."
Blais is having an excellent playoffs and leads the AHL in scoring with eight points in seven games.
Khaira, a Surrey product, said this playoff run is special for him personally with friends and family in attendance. He added that the success also bodes well for Vancouver's future.
"I think it shows hope for what Vancouver has in store," he said. "There are a lot of young prospects here, a lot of great players and they're working on their game and growing their game. If this is what Vancouver has in store it's going to be fun."
EXTINGUISHED THE FIREBIRDS 🚫🔥 pic.x.com/bQp1Oym21g
— X - Abbotsford Canucks (@abbycanucks) May 10, 2025
Malhotra said he liked his team's defence tonight and how they limited quality chances for the Firebirds.
"We defended really well and wanted to make a concerted effort to be more physical," he said of his team's performance. "We found that last game they had way too many offensive opportunities rolling around the zone so I think our guys did a good job of being physical and in position tonight."
83 and 84 bringing the BOOM! 💥 pic.x.com/ug2go1x2J7
— X - Abbotsford Canucks (@abbycanucks) May 10, 2025
It was also a winning Friday night for Malhotra's son Caleb Malhotra and the BCHL's Chilliwack Chiefs, as they captured the Coastal Conference title with a 5-4 win over the Victoria Grizzlies to win that series 4-1.
"It's been fun to be so close to my guy and Chilliwack there and to see them doing so well, it's fun," he said, noting that a celebratory dinner may occur on Saturday (May 10).
Abbotsford's series win advances them to the Pacific Division final for the first time in franchise history. The five playoff wins are also a franchise record. The Canucks now take on the division champion Colorado Eagles.
MOVING ON 🎉@abbycanucks | @Canucks#AHL #CalderCup #ProudlyAbbotsford #Canucks pic.x.com/OKdpOU3j74
— FloHockey (@FloHockey) May 10, 2025
The Canucks won the season series 6-2 and defeated the Eagles 2-1 the last time the two teams met on Feb. 17. They also beat Colorado 4-1 on Feb. 15.
The best-of-five series opens in Abbotsford on Friday (May 16) and game two occurs on Sunday (May 18). The final three games, if needed, take place in Colorado.
Continue visiting abbynews.com for ongoing coverage of the Canucks' journey during the Calder Cup playoffs.
