It’s playoff season, and the Abbotsford Canucks are cooking up some entertainment for the province of British Columbia.
Not only are they set to embark on their fourth postseason run in as many seasons as a franchise, but they’re coming in red-hot with ambitions of capturing their first Calder Cup Championship.
With an influx of youthful talents embedded into the group, the 2024-25 campaign has been nothing short of impressive for the Vancouver Canucks’ affiliates.
Despite an up-and-down first half, they caught fire in 2025 and capped off a franchise-best 44-win season, which tied three other clubs for the second-highest among the entire league. 
With a thrilling 5-3 victory in Game 72 of the regular season against the team they were jockeying for position with, they clinched second spot in the Pacific Division. With the win, they locked in home-ice advantage through the first two rounds of the playoffs (at the very least).
Finishing second also gave the team the advantage of a first-round playoff match against the Division’s seventh and final seed. With a win in their final game of the season, the Tucson Roadrunners snuck in to form a first round matchup against the Canucks.
Here’s everything you need to know heading into the opening round on Wednesday evening.

The 2024-25 season

In addition to their 44-24-2-2 record, the pride of the Fraser Valley placed well among various other stats, while some may need some polishing through the next few weeks:
  • Third in goals (241).
  • Eighth-fewest goals allowed (204).
  • Power play – 18.3% (16th) – Also, the only team in the league not to allow a shorthanded goal against.
  • Penalty kill – 82.4% (17th).
  • A league (franchise) best 13-game winning streak.
When all was said and done, the Canucks enter the playoffs sporting an incredible 16-1-0-1 record over their last 18 games.

Playoff breakdown

The playoff field will include the top six finishers in the Atlantic Division, the top five finishers each in the North and Central Divisions, and the top seven teams in the Pacific Division.
The road to the Calder Cup is as follows:
  • First round (play-in) best-of-three series. 
  • Second round (Division semifinals) best-of-five
  • Third round (division finals) best-of-five series
  • Fourth round (conference finals) best-of-seven
  • Fifth round (Calder Cup Finals) best-of-seven.

First round schedule

Since Abbotsford secured home ice advantage, all three first-round games will be played at the Abbotsford Centre.
  • Game one: Wednesday, April 23 at 7:00 pm 
  • Game two: Thursday, April 24 at 7:00 pm
  • Game three (if necessary): Saturday, April 26 at 7:00 pm

Matchup against the Tucson Roadrunners

The Canucks season record (3-4-1) versus the Roadrunners hasn’t particularly favoured their odds in the series. However, Tucson has struggled away from their home rink, sporting a 15-19-1-1 record in 36 road games. 
Meanwhile, the Canucks have enjoyed their time at the Abbotsford Centre, winning 24 of its 36 home games this season.
While the special team’s records are somewhat similar, Abbotsford has the advantage in nearly every statistical mark throughout the season, including a much stronger lineup.
With Vancouver’s season officially on the shelf, they reassigned a handful of players to round out and create a strong AHL formation.
Our projected game one lineup:
Arshdeep Bains – Aatu Räty  – Jonathan Lekkerimäki
Phil Di Giuseppe – Max Sasson – Linus Karlsson
Sammy Blais – Ty Mueller – Danila Klimovich
Jujhar Khaira – Chase Wouters – Tristen Nielsen
Extras: Nate Smith, Dino Kambeitz, Vilmer Alriksson, Ty Glover, Cooper Walker, Jackson Kunz, Josh Bloom, John Stevens (injured)
Christian Wolanin – Victor Mancini
Guillaume Brisebois – Krill Kudryavtsev
Akito Hirose – Cole McWard
Extras: Jett Woo, Joe Arntsen, Christian Felton
Arturs Silovs
Nikita Tolopilo
Extras: Ty Young, Jiri Patera
The Abbotsford Canucks are entering the 2024-25 Calder Cup playoffs as a team on a mission. With a record-breaking regular season, a stacked roster, and the support of a passionate province, they’re ready to chase glory. 
The journey begins against the Tucson Roadrunners, but it’s just the beginning of what we hope is a long-winded run. Stay tuned to CanucksArmy for all of your Calder Cup action. Plus, tune into the Rink Wide Vancouver YouTube channel, where Jeff Paterson and I will be bringing you live post game coverage after each game.
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