The Vancouver Canucks brought all the big offensive guns to the Abbotsford Centre on Monday night, and they didn’t disappoint a sell-out crowd of 7,040 for the team’s exhibition game against the Ottawa Senators.
Elias Pettersson collected two goals and two assists, Alex Edler had one goal and three assists and Brock Boeser had a three-point night as the Canucks cruised to a 6-4 win.
Ottawa’s Bobby Ryan opened the scoring at 6:53 of the first period, but Vancouver replied with goals from J.T. Miller, Pettersson and Edler to go up 3-1 after 20 minutes. Both Miller and Pettersson’s goals were on the power play, which was a threat all night from the Canucks.
All the action from the 1st period in Abbotsford: 🚨🚨🚨 pic.twitter.com/rNZimA2u5S
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) September 24, 2019
Senators forward Artem Anisimov made it a 3-2 game at 9:19 of the second period, but Pettersson restored the two-goal lead about three minutes later with another power play marker. Rudolfs Balcers made it a one-goal game again just 41 seconds after Pettersson’s second goal, but Jordie Benn scored a late goal to make it 5-3 Canucks after 40 minutes.
2nd period highlights that'll make you say oooooh my my my ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/eOg7bjDaJD
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) September 24, 2019
Bo Horvat put the Canucks up 6-3 early into the third period with another power play goal, and Ottawa’s Chris Tierney added the final goal of game.
Abbotsford native Jake Virtanen recorded one shot on goal and four penalty minutes. Canucks goalie Jacob Markstrom faced a lot of rubber, making 41 saves in the win.
Petterson had praise for the Abbotsford fans, including his respect for local fans usage of the wave.
“Great first game for me here,” he told media after the game. “Crowd was great, they did the wave in the third period which was really good. It was really fun to see, fun to play in a new rink.”
What a night! Thank you Abbotsford for the incredible atmosphere and fan support! pic.twitter.com/LzeasDI5ip
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) September 24, 2019
Abbotsford fans also got a special treat, as several Canucks players participated in a special meet and greet outside the Abbotsford Centre on Monday afternoon. Players including Pettersson, Horvet, Boeser, Virtanen and others took pictures, signed autographs and chatted with hundreds of fans who braved the weather for an opportunity to meet their heroes.
Photos by: John Morrow/Abbotsford News
Hey @City_Abbotsford hopefully you’re taking note tonight! pic.twitter.com/1h8w1mKXls
— Erin Thornton (@thortshockey) September 24, 2019
Enjoying the Ottawa Senators/Vancouver Canucks game at Abbotsford centre. Not a bad seat in the house and we should know as are at the top. @AbbyCentre pic.twitter.com/QSLTqTjGFq
— Patricia Ross (@PatriciaDRoss) September 24, 2019
