The <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/combinations">Abbotsford Canucks</a> arrived in San Diego on Wednesday carrying a <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/abby-canucks-set-franchise-record-10th-straight-win-defeat-condors-2-1">franchise-record 10-game win streak</a> courtesy of their Bakersfield victory from the night before.
<div class="bam-inline-promotion-block" data-max-length="2" data-placement-id="2111" data-context="web-content-promocard" data-property-id="329"></div>
&nbsp;
Last night, however, more than a record was at stake. This was their chance to claim the AHL&#8217;s longest active run and, more importantly, lock in a playoff spot for this spring.
Against a Gulls team eager to derail their momentum, Abbotsford weathered a mid-game push, trailed 3-2 in the third, and then erupted for four goals to seize a commanding 6-3 victory.
Nikita Tolopilo anchored the net, six different scorers fueled the surge, and the team’s resilience shone through as it has for much of the 2025 calendar year.
Fresh off one milestone, they delivered another, turning a tense battle into a decisive statement.
Here’s how they <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/">clinched it against San Diego</a>.
<blockquote>Starting lineup</blockquote>
Di Giuseppe – Sasson – Bains 
Blais – Mueller – Klimovich 
Nielsen – Khaira – Smith 
Walker – Wouters – Kambeitz
Wolanin – Woo 
Brisebois – McWard 
Hirose – Kudryavtsev
Tolopilo
<blockquote>First period: All square</blockquote>
The Abbotsford Canucks allowed a goal just 15 seconds into Tuesday&#8217;s game in Bakersfield.
This game was much kinder to them.
The first few minutes were all Canucks, grabbing the first halve&#8217;s only shots on target (3).
Tuesday&#8217;s late third-period hero, Phil Di Giuseppe, collected the best chance early.
Rookie defender Kirill Kudryavtsev showed incredible protection ability, keeping the puck to himself before stretching the puck out.
Fending off the defender, PDG made a few moves but could not get Ville Husso to bite enough to put the puck behind him.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/ypkVOJI6byxVzveGX4/giphy.gif" />
And just after the Gulls finally grabbed their first shots on net, the Canucks capitalized.
Abbotsford goal – 1-0 – Dino Kambeitz from Cooper Walker
Captain Chase Wouters provided some solid pressure deep in the opposing defensive zone. Feeling that pressure, the Gulls’ defender coughed up the puck right to Cooper Walker.
Acting quickly, Walker found Dino Kambeitz in the slot, who beat Husso clean to open the scoring.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/J0vKaOyXntHOOQeXnP/giphy.gif" />
The Gulls finally turned on some heat later in the frame. On two occasions, Nikita Tolopilo stood—or, should we say, slid—tall to hold firm on the post and get his toes on a wrap-around attempt.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/87tYrfq1MgR0wVxr1Z/giphy.gif" />
Husso also showed off some work at the other end of the ice.
Working the quick transition, Abbotsford sprang out for an odd-man rush. Tristen Nielsen poked the puck through, sending Jujhar Khaira on the wide side.
With two Canucks charging, he sent the puck to Nate Smith, who was robbed by the stretching glove of Husso.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/7rS87weXFRcEwoZvug/giphy.gif" />
The puck immediately reached Guillaume Brisebois, who blasted it off the crossbar.
Late in the period, the Gulls evened the score.
San Diego goal – 1-1 – Stian Solberg from Ian Moore and Carsen Twarynski
Working his way into the zone, former Abby Canuck Carsen Twarynski found Ian Moore, who found the young Stian Solberg inching toward the circles. He would outwait a still Tolopilo with the puck, picking the little daylight given at the short-side top corner.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/MsxfLRmneCMdHCr4OO/giphy.gif" />
Sometimes you have to tip your cap, and that&#8217;s all you can do on that laser.
All square after 20 minutes.
Shots: ABB 7, SD 7 | Score: ABB 1, SD 1
<blockquote>Second period: Penalties, penalties and more penalties</blockquote>
Despite the visiting team&#8217;s unflattering powerplay attempt, the Gulls drew first blood in the middle frame.
With the Canucks amid a line change, the Gulls turned this over quickly, transitioning up the ice to kick off the odd man rush.
San Diego goal – 2-1 – Judd Caulfield from Owen Lindmark and Carsen Twarynski
Sending the puck across the ice was Twarynski, who found rookie Owen Lindmark. He sent the perfect pass toward the net, to be redirected by Judd Caulfield to give his team their first lead of the evening.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/ciYzycuRr984LK3Bcs/giphy.gif" />
The Gulls utilized that momentum, hemming the Canucks in their end to see several looks and an eventual powerplay – a double minor on Phil Di Giuseppe.
The Canucks held strong, killing the full four-minute stretch, sending a little bit of momentum their way.
However, Christian Wolanin took another high-sticking penalty just seconds after everything expired.
But the Canucks didn&#8217;t care.
Abbotsford goal – 2-2 – Ty Mueller from Guillaume Brisebois
The puck took a wild hop off the clearance, dropping right to Ty Mueller&#8217;s stick. Rushing down the ice on the two-on-one, the Alberta native held the puck and snapped it past Husso on the far side.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/oqAru2plomImiF96Ae/giphy.gif" />
When all was said and done, the Canucks survived a six minute stretch of penalties, and evened the score to boot.
With just three shots on net all period, that goal was a massive boost for a reeling Canucks team.
Suddenly, despite a weak period, they were elated to take the 2-2 stalemate into the dressing room.
Or would they?
With just seconds ticking down, Jett Woo impeded Justin Bailey&#8217;s breakout, taking a late interference penalty.
San Diego goal – 3-2 – Justin Bailey from Jan Myšák and Nico Myatovic
Right off the draw, Bailey stood in the blue paint, pouncing on a loose puck in the crease to regain the lead with just seconds remaining on the clock.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/4S8XmZYUoVswzu0Yd9/giphy.gif" />
After surviving a mid-period shelling and even scoring a shorthanded tally, it was all for naught.
The Gulls took a 3-2 lead and almost double-shot advantage into the final frame.
Shots: ABB 11, SD 20 | Score: ABB 2, SD 3
<blockquote>Third period: 11 straight?</blockquote>
The good news? The Canucks were down just one goal and are as confident as can be.
The bad news? The Gulls came into the game 14-2-2-1 when leading after two periods.
The Canucks were certainly doing what they could early on, hemming the Gulls in their zone.
They exceeded their entire second-period shot total in just five minutes, pressing for the game-tying tally.
Husso was up to the challenge.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/P3tS1K7Vr8qhvtg3AO/giphy.gif" />
At least he was…
The Canucks were pressing incredibly hard, and were eventually rewarded for their efforts. In a big way.
In quick succession, the away team scored three goals to flip the script and take the commanding lead in the back half.
It all began with the rookie defenceman.
Abbotsford goal – 3-3 – Kirill Kudryavtsev from Tristen Nielsen
Thanks to some tremendous work from Tristen Nielsen, he navigated his way around the half wall before feeding Kudryavtsev all alone on the doorstep. Making no mistake, Kudryavtsev deposited his fifth goal of the season to kickstart an incredible run.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/Ok4TuFq18Pm9z25Xo3/giphy.gif" />
Abbotsford goal – 4-3 – Akito Hirose from Danila Klimovich and Cole McWard
Off the ensuing face-off, Danila Klimovich dropped the puck back to Akito Hirose, who fired the quick shot toward the net. With seeing eyes, it sounds its way past Husso.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/07H9bPCYk4XnGiEgSM/giphy.gif" />
A few moments later, Stian Solberg lost the puck at the worst possible time…
Abbotsford goal – 5-3 – Max Sasson (unassisted)
Lurking in the neutral zone was Max Sasson, who pounced on the puck and confidently snapped the shot past Husso to suddenly double their lead.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/hdOh27u84byKoJ4622/giphy.gif" />
Before you knew it, the ice was incredibly tilted in favor of the Canucks and were well on their way to achieving a few notable markers.
Looking for something – anything –, the Gulls tested their luck, pulling the goalie with ample time left in the period, hoping to find a spark. But it was Arshdeep Bains who found that spark.
Abbotsford goal – 6-3 – Arshdeep Bains (unassisted)
Despite being well behind most of the opposing team’s skaters, Bains turned on the jets to poke the puck toward the net. He gained the inside step with incredible momentum to direct the puck into an empty cage to triple their lead.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/CbxmAc68nr4FqQntem/giphy.gif" />
As expected, the Canucks held on to extend their incredible run. With 11 straight wins, they are now the sole owners of the AHL’s best winning streak of the season.
If that wasn’t enough, the regulation win punched their ticket to the Calder Cup playoffs. All that’s left now is to wrap up home-ice advantage.
WHAT A RUN.
Shots: ABB 23, SD 26 | Score: ABB 6, SD 3
<blockquote>Final thoughts</blockquote>
The Canucks continue to earn wins by comity, with another six different goalscorers in this game. <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/blackfish-vancouver-canucks-prospects-kick-off-playoffs-red-hot-romani-willander-frozen-four-more">Leading the charge was Nikita Tolopilo</a>, who earned his fifth consecutive win with 23 saves. Meanwhile, Jujhar Khaira increased his incredible run with his new club, who has yet to lose as an Abbotsford Canuck to sport an incredible 10-0 record.
<blockquote>What&#8217;s next?</blockquote>
The <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/author/davehall">Canucks head home after a grueling six game road trip</a> to host the Laval Rocket for a weekend doubleheader. The puck drops at the Abbotsford Centre for game one on Saturday at 7:00 pm PT.
Sponsored by bet365
<div class="bam-inline-promotion" data-property-id="329" data-promotion-id="19111" data-context="web-content-promocard"></div>
&nbsp;

Goaltender Nikita Tolopilo makes a play on the puck during the Vancouver Canucks' 2-0 victory over the Edmonton Oilers at the 2024 Young Stars Classic from Penticton, BC

The <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/combinations">Abbotsford Canucks</a> arrived in San Diego on Wednesday carrying a <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/abby-canucks-set-franchise-record-10th-straight-win-defeat-condors-2-1">franchise-record 10-game win streak</a> courtesy of their Bakersfield victory from the night before.
<div class="bam-inline-promotion-block" data-max-length="2" data-placement-id="2111" data-context="web-content-promocard" data-property-id="329"></div>
&nbsp;

Last night, however, more than a record was at stake. This was their chance to claim the AHL's longest active run and, more importantly, lock in a playoff spot for this spring.

Against a Gulls team eager to derail their momentum, Abbotsford weathered a mid-game push, trailed 3-2 in the third, and then erupted for four goals to seize a commanding 6-3 victory.

Nikita Tolopilo anchored the net, six different scorers fueled the surge, and the team’s resilience shone through as it has for much of the 2025 calendar year.

Fresh off one milestone, they delivered another, turning a tense battle into a decisive statement.

Here’s how they <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/">clinched it against San Diego</a>.
<blockquote>Starting lineup</blockquote>
Di Giuseppe – Sasson – Bains
Blais – Mueller – Klimovich
Nielsen – Khaira – Smith
Walker – Wouters – Kambeitz

Wolanin – Woo
Brisebois – McWard
Hirose – Kudryavtsev

Tolopilo
<blockquote>First period: All square</blockquote>
The Abbotsford Canucks allowed a goal just 15 seconds into Tuesday's game in Bakersfield.

This game was much kinder to them.

The first few minutes were all Canucks, grabbing the first halve's only shots on target (3).

Tuesday's late third-period hero, Phil Di Giuseppe, collected the best chance early.

Rookie defender Kirill Kudryavtsev showed incredible protection ability, keeping the puck to himself before stretching the puck out.

Fending off the defender, PDG made a few moves but could not get Ville Husso to bite enough to put the puck behind him.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/ypkVOJI6byxVzveGX4/giphy.gif" />

And just after the Gulls finally grabbed their first shots on net, the Canucks capitalized.

Abbotsford goal – 1-0 – Dino Kambeitz from Cooper Walker

Captain Chase Wouters provided some solid pressure deep in the opposing defensive zone. Feeling that pressure, the Gulls’ defender coughed up the puck right to Cooper Walker.

Acting quickly, Walker found Dino Kambeitz in the slot, who beat Husso clean to open the scoring.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/J0vKaOyXntHOOQeXnP/giphy.gif" />

The Gulls finally turned on some heat later in the frame. On two occasions, Nikita Tolopilo stood—or, should we say, slid—tall to hold firm on the post and get his toes on a wrap-around attempt.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/87tYrfq1MgR0wVxr1Z/giphy.gif" />

Husso also showed off some work at the other end of the ice.

Working the quick transition, Abbotsford sprang out for an odd-man rush. Tristen Nielsen poked the puck through, sending Jujhar Khaira on the wide side.

With two Canucks charging, he sent the puck to Nate Smith, who was robbed by the stretching glove of Husso.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/7rS87weXFRcEwoZvug/giphy.gif" />

The puck immediately reached Guillaume Brisebois, who blasted it off the crossbar.

Late in the period, the Gulls evened the score.

San Diego goal – 1-1 – Stian Solberg from Ian Moore and Carsen Twarynski

Working his way into the zone, former Abby Canuck Carsen Twarynski found Ian Moore, who found the young Stian Solberg inching toward the circles. He would outwait a still Tolopilo with the puck, picking the little daylight given at the short-side top corner.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/MsxfLRmneCMdHCr4OO/giphy.gif" />

Sometimes you have to tip your cap, and that's all you can do on that laser.

All square after 20 minutes.

Shots: ABB 7, SD 7 | Score: ABB 1, SD 1
<blockquote>Second period: Penalties, penalties and more penalties</blockquote>
Despite the visiting team's unflattering powerplay attempt, the Gulls drew first blood in the middle frame.

With the Canucks amid a line change, the Gulls turned this over quickly, transitioning up the ice to kick off the odd man rush.

San Diego goal – 2-1 – Judd Caulfield from Owen Lindmark and Carsen Twarynski

Sending the puck across the ice was Twarynski, who found rookie Owen Lindmark. He sent the perfect pass toward the net, to be redirected by Judd Caulfield to give his team their first lead of the evening.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/ciYzycuRr984LK3Bcs/giphy.gif" />

The Gulls utilized that momentum, hemming the Canucks in their end to see several looks and an eventual powerplay – a double minor on Phil Di Giuseppe.

The Canucks held strong, killing the full four-minute stretch, sending a little bit of momentum their way.

However, Christian Wolanin took another high-sticking penalty just seconds after everything expired.

But the Canucks didn't care.

Abbotsford goal – 2-2 – Ty Mueller from Guillaume Brisebois

The puck took a wild hop off the clearance, dropping right to Ty Mueller's stick. Rushing down the ice on the two-on-one, the Alberta native held the puck and snapped it past Husso on the far side.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/oqAru2plomImiF96Ae/giphy.gif" />

When all was said and done, the Canucks survived a six minute stretch of penalties, and evened the score to boot.

With just three shots on net all period, that goal was a massive boost for a reeling Canucks team.

Suddenly, despite a weak period, they were elated to take the 2-2 stalemate into the dressing room.

Or would they?

With just seconds ticking down, Jett Woo impeded Justin Bailey's breakout, taking a late interference penalty.

San Diego goal – 3-2 – Justin Bailey from Jan Myšák and Nico Myatovic

Right off the draw, Bailey stood in the blue paint, pouncing on a loose puck in the crease to regain the lead with just seconds remaining on the clock.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/4S8XmZYUoVswzu0Yd9/giphy.gif" />

After surviving a mid-period shelling and even scoring a shorthanded tally, it was all for naught.

The Gulls took a 3-2 lead and almost double-shot advantage into the final frame.

Shots: ABB 11, SD 20 | Score: ABB 2, SD 3
<blockquote>Third period: 11 straight?</blockquote>
The good news? The Canucks were down just one goal and are as confident as can be.

The bad news? The Gulls came into the game 14-2-2-1 when leading after two periods.

The Canucks were certainly doing what they could early on, hemming the Gulls in their zone.

They exceeded their entire second-period shot total in just five minutes, pressing for the game-tying tally.

Husso was up to the challenge.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/P3tS1K7Vr8qhvtg3AO/giphy.gif" />

At least he was…

The Canucks were pressing incredibly hard, and were eventually rewarded for their efforts. In a big way.

In quick succession, the away team scored three goals to flip the script and take the commanding lead in the back half.

It all began with the rookie defenceman.

Abbotsford goal – 3-3 – Kirill Kudryavtsev from Tristen Nielsen

Thanks to some tremendous work from Tristen Nielsen, he navigated his way around the half wall before feeding Kudryavtsev all alone on the doorstep. Making no mistake, Kudryavtsev deposited his fifth goal of the season to kickstart an incredible run.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/Ok4TuFq18Pm9z25Xo3/giphy.gif" />

Abbotsford goal – 4-3 – Akito Hirose from Danila Klimovich and Cole McWard

Off the ensuing face-off, Danila Klimovich dropped the puck back to Akito Hirose, who fired the quick shot toward the net. With seeing eyes, it sounds its way past Husso.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/07H9bPCYk4XnGiEgSM/giphy.gif" />

A few moments later, Stian Solberg lost the puck at the worst possible time…

Abbotsford goal – 5-3 – Max Sasson (unassisted)

Lurking in the neutral zone was Max Sasson, who pounced on the puck and confidently snapped the shot past Husso to suddenly double their lead.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/hdOh27u84byKoJ4622/giphy.gif" />

Before you knew it, the ice was incredibly tilted in favor of the Canucks and were well on their way to achieving a few notable markers.

Looking for something – anything –, the Gulls tested their luck, pulling the goalie with ample time left in the period, hoping to find a spark. But it was Arshdeep Bains who found that spark.

Abbotsford goal – 6-3 – Arshdeep Bains (unassisted)

Despite being well behind most of the opposing team’s skaters, Bains turned on the jets to poke the puck toward the net. He gained the inside step with incredible momentum to direct the puck into an empty cage to triple their lead.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/CbxmAc68nr4FqQntem/giphy.gif" />

As expected, the Canucks held on to extend their incredible run. With 11 straight wins, they are now the sole owners of the AHL’s best winning streak of the season.

If that wasn’t enough, the regulation win punched their ticket to the Calder Cup playoffs. All that’s left now is to wrap up home-ice advantage.

WHAT A RUN.

Shots: ABB 23, SD 26 | Score: ABB 6, SD 3
<blockquote>Final thoughts</blockquote>
The Canucks continue to earn wins by comity, with another six different goalscorers in this game. <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/blackfish-vancouver-canucks-prospects-kick-off-playoffs-red-hot-romani-willander-frozen-four-more">Leading the charge was Nikita Tolopilo</a>, who earned his fifth consecutive win with 23 saves. Meanwhile, Jujhar Khaira increased his incredible run with his new club, who has yet to lose as an Abbotsford Canuck to sport an incredible 10-0 record.
<blockquote>What's next?</blockquote>
The <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/author/davehall">Canucks head home after a grueling six game road trip</a> to host the Laval Rocket for a weekend doubleheader. The puck drops at the Abbotsford Centre for game one on Saturday at 7:00 pm PT.

Sponsored by bet365
<div class="bam-inline-promotion" data-property-id="329" data-promotion-id="19111" data-context="web-content-promocard"></div>
&nbsp;

Recent articles from Dave Hall

Breaking News