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Abbotsford Canucks out-snarled by Henderson Silver Knights on Top Dogs Night

Abbotsford falls 7-3 to Henderson on Saturday, teams meet again on Sunday (March 17)
Ben Lypka
Ben Lypka

Top Dogs Night turned into a dog’s breakfast for the Abbotsford Canucks after a 7-3 rout courtesy of the visiting Henderson Silver Knights on Saturday (March 16).

The Knights neutered the Canucks with six consecutive goals following Abbotsford’s Aidan McDonough opening the scoring at 6:39 of the first.

That 1-0 lead lasted just 63 seconds when Ryan Dzingel tied the game up. Jakub Demek and Dzingel again made it 3-1 after one.

The second period was all Henderson, with Demek and Mason Morelli making it 5-1 at 14:19. That fifth goal caused Nikita Tolopilo to receive the hook for the second time in his AHL career. He allowed five goals on 23 shots in the loss. Tolopilo also was yanked after allowing five goals on 30 shots in an 8-3 loss to the Coachella Valley Firebirds on Oct. 31, 2023.

Tolopilo’s removal opened the door for third-string netminder Zach Sawchenko to enter the crease for the first time this season.

Sawchenko had never even sat on the bench for the Canucks this season until earlier this month, but the Thatcher Demko injury caused Vancouver to call up Arturs Silovs and open up a spot for the former San Jose Sharks goalie.

He went on to allow a goal early in the third period, but the Canucks answered back with goals from Max Sasson and McDonough again. Henderson added an empty net goal at 17:59.

Sawchenko finished with four saves on the night in his first appearance for Abbotsford. The Canucks outshot Henderson 37-29, but much of that was due to a third period that saw Abbotsford hold a 19-5 shots edge when Henderson stopped attacking as much.

Marc Gatcomb, McDonough, Filip Johansson, Matt Irwin and Tristen Nielsen all recorded four shots on goal. McDonough now has nine goals on the season after his two-goal night and defenceman Jett Woo recorded two assists. Max Sasson was a -3 on the night, with Aatu Raty, Chase Wouters, Johansson, Cole McWard and Nick Cicek all at a -2.

One of the more notable moments came early in the third period when the Canucks had a two-man advantage for 88 seconds. The club failed to generate a significant scoring chance and only managed one shot on goal. That power play brought out the boo birds in the Abbotsford Centre.

Abbotsford’s power play did score once on Saturday, but it remains 31st in the league at just 14.6 per cent. They also have the worst power play of any team on home ice and are just 13 for 106 (12.3 per cent) this season.

Woo said the team needs to find a way to get more shots on goal with the man advantage.

“As soon as we started getting more shots we could feel the tide changing a bit and I think that’s got to be more of the game plan,” he said. “It’s either going low to high and then a shot from the D or just getting shots all around. I think we need to test the goalies a bit more.”

Woo said the guys on the ice can hear and feel the fans frustration at times.

“It is tough when everyone hears the people in the stands yelling to shoot, shoot, shoot,” he said. “But they’re not on the ice and it makes it hard for those guys on the ice to kind of think and do it. Those guys are trying to find looks and make it work.”

He added that it’s nice to see Sawchenko get an opportunity. Woo and Sawchenko were teammates with the Western Hockey League’s Moose Jaw Warriors and they even roomed together for a period of time. He said it’s nice to see the goalie finally get on the ice.

“I can’t imagine what it’s been like for him,” he said, of Sawchenko’s season. “But he’s been such a trooper. He’s been so positive whether he’s been in the lineup or not. He’s been around for us and as always been ready. And as you guys saw, he stood on his head and gave us a spark a bit at the end. I know how good he is, it’s nice that he was able to shine a bit and show what he can do.”

Woo was also asked about defensive prospect Elias Pettersson, who has joined the team and is practicing in Abbotsford.

“He’s been a pretty fun kid,” he said. “We’re all pretty excited to have him around and for him to see what pro hockey over here is. He’s going to fit in well. We have a good set of D and a good leadership group so hopefully he enjoys it and soaks it up.”

The Canucks remain in seventh with the loss and now have a record of 30-23-4-2. They are 10 points up on Henderson for the seventh and final playoff spot in the Pacific Division.

Abbotsford and Henderson meet again on Sunday (March 17). Face-off is set for 4 p.m.

Ben Lypka

About the Author: Ben Lypka

I joined the Abbotsford News in 2015.
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