Canucks grab 2-1 lead in Calder Cup final with 6-1 win over Checkers
ABBOTSFORD – Linus Karlsson had two goals and an assist in the third period to snap a 1-1 deadlock and the Abbotsford Canucks went on to defeat the visiting Charlotte Checkers 6-1 on Tuesday night to grab a 2-1 lead in the Calder Cup final.
It was the first game in the best-of-seven American Hockey League championship series that didn't require overtime to determine a winner.
Phillip Di Giuseppe, Sammy Blais, Arshdeep Bains and Tristen Nielsen also scored for the Canucks, who trailed 1-0 after the first period and were tied 1-1 heading into the third. Bains and Nielsen both scored into an empty net.
Oliver Okuliar scored for the Checkers, who need to win either Game 4 or Game 5 to get the series back to North Carolina.
Canucks netminder Arturs Silovs stopped 28 of 29 shots, while Kaapo Kahkonen made 22 saves in the Checkers' net.
Winnipeg Jets Game Days
On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop.
Game 4 is Thursday at the Abbotsford Centre.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 17, 2025.
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