Latest news with #JonathanLekkerimaki
Hamilton Spectator
18 hours ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Abbotsford Canucks move within a win of Calder Cup title
ABBOTSFORD - Jonathan Lekkerimaki scored two goals as the Abbotsford Canucks held off the Charlotte Checkers 3-2 to move within one win from a Calder Cup title on Thursday. Arshdeep Bains also scored for Abbotsford, which went up 3-1 in the best-of-seven American Hockey League championship series. The Canucks are in search of their first-ever AHL title win. Arturs Silovs made 32 saves in the victory. Kyle Criscuolo and Jack Devine replied for Charlotte, which has been outscored 9-3 since Games 1 and 2 of the series went to overtime with the two sides splitting those contests. Kaapo Kahkonen stopped 20 shots in the loss. Lekkerimaki's second goal of the game 3:47 into the third period made it a 3-0 game. Criscuolo put the Checkers on the board on the power play 8:34 before Devine made it a one-goal game with 26 seconds left in the contest. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 19, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
18 hours ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Abbotsford Canucks move within a win of Calder Cup title
ABBOTSFORD – Jonathan Lekkerimaki scored two goals as the Abbotsford Canucks held off the Charlotte Checkers 3-2 to move within one win from a Calder Cup title on Thursday. Arshdeep Bains also scored for Abbotsford, which went up 3-1 in the best-of-seven American Hockey League championship series. The Canucks are in search of their first-ever AHL title win. Arturs Silovs made 32 saves in the victory. Kyle Criscuolo and Jack Devine replied for Charlotte, which has been outscored 9-3 since Games 1 and 2 of the series went to overtime with the two sides splitting those contests. Kaapo Kahkonen stopped 20 shots in the loss. Lekkerimaki's second goal of the game 3:47 into the third period made it a 3-0 game. Criscuolo put the Checkers on the board on the power play 8:34 before Devine made it a one-goal game with 26 seconds left in the contest. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 19, 2025.
National Post
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- National Post
Abbotsford Canucks Live: It's Game 4 from Texas. Follow our live coverage here
Article content Chase Wouters is embracing one of the biggest challenges in the AHL Calder Cup playoffs. Article content The long serving and highly-respected Abbotsford Canucks captain has to lead by example on the ice and motivate his teammates on the bench and in the room. That shouldn't be a problem. Article content Article content As an undrafted and undaunted 25-year-old prairie product, who hasn't played an NHL game, he knows about incentive. Article content Following a turnover-prone 5-2 loss to the Texas Stars in Game 3 of the Western Conference final on Monday, Wouters must be at his motivational best tonight in Cedar Park to keep the hosts from evening the best-of-seven series at two games apiece. It's a 5 p.m. start (Pacific). Article content The winner will face the Charlotte Checkers, who swept the Laval Rocket in the Eastern Conference final, for the league championship. Article content Article content Wouters is a third-line grinder and knows a lack of goal production to support winger Linus Karlsson is a problem. The Swedish winger has eight goals to share the playoff lead with former Canucks winger Kole Lind, and is also third in points with 15. Article content Rookie winger Jonathan Lekkerimaki hasn't scored in six games and has just one in 12 playoff outings after striking for 19 goals in 36 regular-season games. Centre Max Sasson is goalless in eight games, despite leading the post-season with 45 shots, after collecting 13 goals in 41 games during the season. Article content Article content Veteran winger Sami Blais doesn't have a goal in a dozen playoff games, but has 11 points (3-8). He has also accumulated 67 penalty minutes and must stay out of the box tonight. The Stars struck for two power-play goals Monday and also had two short-handed markers. Article content Article content Article content 'The highs and lows, that's what this time of year is all about,' said Wouters. 'You try to keep it level as best you can and be ready. Right from the start, we can't sit back. They (Stars) are good in transition and have a lot of guys who can make plays, but it's getting back to what makes our group successful. Article content The Canucks also need to tighten up in their own end. Workhorse starting goaltender Arturs Silovs faced 18 shots in the opening period in Game 3 and the Stars struck three times to gain momentum. Abbotsford didn't have an answer for shifty winger Matej Blunder, who scored twice in the first frame — power play and short-handed tallies in a span of 1:32 — to give the Stars a 3-1 lead.
Edmonton Journal
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Edmonton Journal
Canucks: AHL playoffs pivotal for Abbotsford forwards in NHL roster push
Article content That's where it will get interesting. How Linus Karlsson and Jonathan Lekkerimaki perform in the series will be another indication of what could await next fall in Vancouver with more regular NHL employment. And if injured centre Aatu Raty returns Friday, the trio knows exposure to Vancouver Canucks assistant coach Adam Foote this season was vital. He became Vancouver's bench boss Wednesday to replace Rick Tocchet, who's bound for Philadelphia. And like Tocchet, there will be a demand to be dialed in on the details. The Abbotsford hopefuls aren't a cure for what ails the parent Canucks — a 23rd-ranked offence at 2.84 goals per outing — but project to play vital support roles. And in Lekkerimaki, there's untapped offensive potential. Here's a look at how they project next fall: Linus Karlsson Karlsson, 25, knows what it takes to play and stay in the NHL. Abbotsford head coach Manny Malhotra has pushed the Swede to lead and his five points (3-2) in seven AHL playoff games are a good sign.
The Province
15-05-2025
- Sport
- The Province
Canucks: AHL playoffs pivotal for Abbotsford forwards in NHL roster push
Linus Karlsson, Jonathan Lekkerimaki and Aatu Raty had NHL exposure to Adam Foote this season. It was critical with Foote now elevated to run the Vancouver bench. Get the latest from Ben Kuzma straight to your inbox Vancouver Canucks winger Jonathan Lekkerimaki celebrates his game-winning shootout goal in a 4-3 decision over the New Jersey Devils on March 24 at Newark, N.J. Photo by Elsa / Getty Images Playoffs are always the prime proving ground. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors It's where the evaluation process heightens amid expectations to elevate games to the next level. It's a rite of passage to the NHL. The Vancouver Canucks' AHL affiliate in Abbotsford opens its best-of-five Pacific Division final against the Colorado Eagles on Friday on home ice. It has never advanced that far and a strong team game emphasizing will and skill will be imperative to move on to the Western Conference final. That's where it will get interesting. How Linus Karlsson and Jonathan Lekkerimaki perform in the series will be another indication of what could await next fall in Vancouver with more regular NHL employment. And if injured centre Aatu Raty returns Friday, the trio knows exposure to Vancouver Canucks assistant coach Adam Foote this season was vital. He became Vancouver's bench boss Wednesday to replace Rick Tocchet, who's bound for Philadelphia. And like Tocchet, there will be a demand to be dialed in on the details. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The Abbotsford hopefuls aren't a cure for what ails the parent Canucks — a 23rd-ranked offence at 2.84 goals per outing — but project to play vital support roles. And in Lekkerimaki, there's untapped offensive potential. Here's a look at how they project next fall: Goalie Ilya Sorokin of the Islanders denies Canucks winger Linus Karlsson during a March 26 meeting in Elmont, N.Y. Photo by Bruce Bennett / Getty Images Linus Karlsson Karlsson, 25, knows what it takes to play and stay in the NHL. Abbotsford head coach Manny Malhotra has pushed the Swede to lead and his five points (3-2) in seven AHL playoff games are a good sign. He has scored 70 goals in 170 AHL regular-season games, including 23 in 32 outings this season, but the list of gunners who pile up 30 goals in the AHL but can't pull the trigger in the bigs is long and legendary. And those who make the leap must tailor their games and, to his credit, Karlsson has done the work. He has the pace and can make plays. Consistency is now the challenge. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The winger had three goals in 23 NHL games this season and is at a career crossroads. He signed a one-year, US$775,000 extension on March 14, but isn't waiver-exempt next season and becomes a restricted free agent with arbitration rights when the deal expires. He knows the challenge. 'Good with details around the net, tips and finding the soft areas. That's were I will grow the most,' Karlsson told Postmedia News. 'Every game I've been up here (NHL) is like a playoff game. I have to bring something. Make sure I'm on guys, set screens and be good defensively. 'I'm not the most skilled guy and just trying to find my role.' Rookie Canucks right-winger Jonathan Lekkerimaki unloads a heavy shot against the Kings at Rogers Arena on Jan. 16. Photo by Derek Cain / Getty Images Jonathan Lekkerimaki A lasting image this season was Lekkerimaki's surprising pre-shootout stick twirl in New Jersey on March 24. It was rare bravado from the soft-spoken winger. His first NHL skills show release in the fourth round of the shootout did the talking to seal a 4-3 win and confirmed that his shot is legit and confidence is high. And for Lekkerimaki, 20, that will be his ticket because it's one element you can't teach. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The return of goalie Thatcher Demko after a 15-game injury absence was the story to keep his club in that game, but Lekkerimaki was the curiosity. He had two shots and five attempts in 9:52 of playing time. 'Works hard and wants to get better,' noted Demko. 'A willingness to compete and listen. He's going to be a real good player.' Lekkerimaki had 19 goals in 36 AHL regular-season games this season, but has been quiet in the AHL post-season with an assist in four games. He missed three games with complications from dental surgery. Tocchet had quite the response in mid-March when the media was pushing for Lekkerimaki to get more power-play time. He finished with six points (3-3) in 24 NHL games. 'Lekkerimaki is not the answer, but he will be eventually,' said Tocchet of the power play. 'When he got the puck he was nice and relaxed. That's his gift. His hands. We have to work with him. He can be even more deceptive and I'd like to see him take a few more rips with it.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Canucks centre Aatu Raty celebrates his goal against the Islanders at UBS Arena on March 26 in Elmont, N.Y. Photo by Bruce Bennett / Getty Images Aatu Raty In the quest to add centre support for Elias Pettersson and Filip Chytil, the feisty Finn could be a fourth-line fixture next fall. Raty, 22, has size to frustrate on the forecheck, and his faceoff presence of 57.4 per cent in 33 NHL games this season to lead the club, are attractive attributes. His foot speed could be better, but the restricted free agent has potential to improve on 11 points (4-7) after piling up 40 (17-23) in 43 AHL games. He has added three assists in five playoff games. Raty looked good between Dakota Joshua and Kiefer Sherwood in the drive toward a wild-card playoff spot. He looked quicker, more engaged, and a spurt of five goals in eight games didn't go unnoticed. He needs to build on that because he's not waiver-exempt next season. 'Being in the lineup is something I never take for granted,' Raty told Postmedia. 'You always want to be the player who is playing if you have the lead or trying to get a goal at the end.' bkuzma@ Read More National Vancouver Canucks Vancouver Canucks Local News Vancouver Canucks
