The series has switched to Loveland, Colorado.
As the higher seed, the Colorado Eagles chose home-ice advantage, meaning the series now shifts to Blue Arena for the remaining three games (if necessary).
<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;
The <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/top-abbotsford-canucks-scorers-need-find-another-offensive-gear-deadlocked-colorado">Abbotsford Canucks</a>, however, arrived armed with history: after dropping <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/farmies-jonathan-lekkerimaki-scores-first-ahl-playoff-goal-5-3-game-2-defeat">Game 2</a> in all three playoff rounds, they’d roared back for <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/abbotsford-canucks-game-day-looking-bounce-back-pacific-final-picks-colorado">Game 3</a> each time, outscoring opponents 8-1.
Could they make it three?
Early signs weren’t promising as the Canucks surrendered the first goal — again — within five minutes and racked up three minor penalties in the opening frame. Despite clawing back to tie it before the buzzer, they had handed momentum to the home team.
A seesaw second period ended with a late Eagles goal, putting Abbotsford on the ropes entering the third.
But resilience has defined this Canucks team all season long. And with their backs against the wall, they battled back to force overtime on enemy turf.
After surviving a flurry of chances, Linus Karlsson played hero by calling Game 3 in dramatic fashion.
Let’s break down the action.
<blockquote>Starting lineup</blockquote>
The Abbotsford Canucks welcomed back Christian Wolanin to their blueline, a considerable addition to the team’s transition game from the backend. He replaced rookie defender Kirill Kudryavtsev.
Meanwhile, Danila Klimovich returned to the lineup after being healthy scratched (presumably) for the last four games. Not only was he back in the lineup, but he was tossed into the top six, which enables him to play to his strengths rather than his typical (playoff) fourth-line role. He replaced Dino Kambeitz.
Bains – Sasson – Lekkerimäki 
Blais – Mueller – Klimovich 
Nielsen – Wouters – Kalrsson 
Di Giuseppe – Khaira – Smith
Brisebois – McWard 
Hirose – Woo 
Wolanin – Mancini
Silovs
<blockquote>First period: The Mancini show</blockquote>
The Abbotsford Canucks were the away team, which is already a slight disadvantage for a playoff game.
But to make matters worse, Tristen Nielsen took a tripping penalty just 28 seconds into the match.
Tripping, you say?
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/gRrcFqmpHJBCeLVfvJ/giphy.gif" />
That said, the team&#8217;s penalty kill has been incredible all postseason long, and this one was no different. Giving the Eagles nothing on the inside, the Canucks held their ground for their 27th consecutive kill.
One of the big reasons for the team&#8217;s PK success has been <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/victor-mancini-talks-trade-chaos-abbotsford-playoff-push-learning-from-quinn-hughes">Victor Mancini</a>, who single-handedly made the Eagles&#8217; power play a living nightmare.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/x4Rvglcu1Yju6JMWry/giphy.gif" />
But the Eagles would eventually grab first blood.
Colorado goal – 1-0 – John Ludvig from Oskar Olausson and Jacob MacDonald
Gaining the zone was Oskar Olausson, who fired the puck toward the net. With <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/vancouver-canucks-arturs-silovs-stats-game-2s-downright-wild">Arturs Silovs</a> steering it aside, the puck would squirt to the top of the circles, where John Ludvig collected and sent a relatively routine shot toward the net.
Unfortunately, the shot handcuffed the netminder, squeezing through the wickets as Silovs attempted to close his pads.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/7hG5SPbhjiRHuZYxN3/giphy.gif" />
Silvos has been the team&#8217;s top star throughout these playoffs, but that&#8217;s a shot he likely wants back.
Slow starts have been a consistent issue for this Canucks team, and this game was no exception.
Over at the other end, the Canucks collected just a few shots through the first 10 minutes, mainly off of a two-minute power play stretch.
But the majority of the play favoured the Eagles.
The best chance came just before the midway point, thanks to a heads-up play off the defensive end faceoff by Tristen Nielsen.
Nielsen went to his strong side as the puck dropped, collecting the breakout pass and sending a streaking Chase Wouters. The captain fired the puck to the blocker side, with a trailing Akito Hirose nearly cleaning up the rebound.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/oJ3O5x1f7EdMNG6VBx/giphy.gif" />
Finally, that slight stretch of momentum led to an equalizer just after the period&#8217;s midway point.
Abbotsford goal – 1-1 – Victor Mancini from Jonathan Lekkerimäki and Christian Wolanin
Victor Mancini picked up the puck off the offensive zone faceoff win before making a tremendous drive and cut-in toward the net.
The puck jumped out to the high slot, where <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/vancouver-canucks-lekkerimakis-low-shot-volume-starting-hinder-playoff-success">Jonathan Lekkerimäki</a> picked it up and fired his patented shot toward the net.
Sitting on the doorstep, Mancini was still battling after his net drive. He pounced on the rebound to grab his second of the Calder Cup playoffs.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/cdqaKf9DuPZw77TxRJ/giphy.gif" />
Mancini had been the team&#8217;s most noticeable player leading up to the goal, so the finish was a fitting result.
Lekkerimäki&#8217;s assist was his third point in two games, after he had collected just one assist through his first five games.
Not long after the goal, Chase Wouters was called for an easy boarding penalty, sending his team to another early penalty kill.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/La6MBjXBDXqz6RFMRZ/giphy.gif" />.
Of course, they made it look easy, killing their 28th straight penalty.
Later in the period, the Canucks thought they had taken the lead late, after a tremendous drive from <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/vancouver-canucks-call-up-ty-mueller-nikita-tolopilo-ahl-abbotsford">Ty Mueller.</a>
Danila Klimovich made the play happen in the defensive zone, forcing a turnover that sent Mueller to the races.
Skating alongside a defender, he dropped the shoulder and drove for a good chance, sending goaltender Trent Miner sliding into the net.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/4CuFm6y1OXn09mnhkz/giphy.gif" />
With a good view of the puck, the referee instantly called the goal off, as it had not officially crossed the line.
The period concluded with the Canucks on yet another penalty kill. This time, Nate Smith was called for a slash, catching John Ludvig in an unfortunate spot for an unnecessary penalty.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/GPWyITMnMTSF6UQ1KR/giphy.gif" />
Killing off the first 40 seconds, the penalty would carry over to the second period.
After an undisciplined opening period, the Canucks were happy and perhaps a little lucky to emerge unscathed and even at one goal apiece.
Shots: ABB 12, COL 13 | Score: ABB 1, COL 1
<blockquote>Second period: Almost survived</blockquote>
The Canucks successfully killed the remainder of the penalty and you know what that means…
29/29.
The Canucks had a couple of low-grade chances to start the second, but Colorado had the majority of the good looks.
First, Calle Rosén sent a seeing-eye shot through traffic, which beat Silovs&#8217; blocker side but not the post.
With the Eagles continuing their press, Jake Wise sent the puck to the slot, where Mark Senden got a stick on. Silovs slid over for this one, dropping his pads on the redirect.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/OYVdBbDd1bobh84MHZ/giphy.gif" />
At the other end, Trent Miner was making his own presence felt with his best save of the game.
With Danila Klimovich cycling the puck, he spun and threw the puck toward the net. After hitting a skate in front, the puck bounced right to <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/hes-leading-by-example-vancouver-canucks-sammy-blais-leading-ahl-playoffs-points">Sammy Blais</a> with a wide-open cage.
Kicking the leg out was Miner, who made the save to keep the score even and keep Blais off the scoresheet in the series.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/7NI3hMa5gGaOsLnABv/giphy.gif" />
Meanwhile, Silovs stymied former <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/combinations">Vancouver Canuck</a> forward Jayson Megan. Not once, but twice.
First, Megna made a tremendous toe drag around a sliding Abby defender before being stopped point blank.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/Dx0DC0yBgRMrVT24XK/giphy.gif" />
Moments later, he enjoyed a favourable bounce, with the puck falling to him alone at the net front. Silovs threw up his shoulder calmly.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/jLViBz62RJF1ylxsvJ/giphy.gif" />
The Eagles finally found one late.
Colorado goal – 2-1 – Jake Wise from Matthew Phillips
The puck reached Matthew Phillips below the goal line after a failed clearing attempt from Jett Woo.
Showing patience, he found Jake Wise in the slot, who fired the one-timer past the netminder for the late go-ahead goal.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/AkWrWQoJLLb57Wtsln/giphy.gif" />
The Canucks played a solid period, but just could not hold a pressing Eagles team for a full 20 minutes.
Shots: ABB 18, COL 20 | Score: ABB 1, COL 2
<blockquote>Third period: The ASassonator</blockquote>
Without being too dramatic, the third period felt like a must-win period.
A loss, and you&#8217;re forced to win two straight on the road against the Western Conference&#8217;s top team.
No easy feat&#8230;
But the Eagles came out hot, grabbing several looks early to force Silovs to remain strong.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/NnLLbbneBsnGkoq3fN/giphy.gif" />
But after being hemmed in for much fo the period, the Canucks were gifted a power play and a big chance to even the score.
Both units struggled to maintain possession, however. The Abbotsford netminder was forced to make the stretch&#8217;s best chance, with Megna testing Silovs once again.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/j2uRu5rVZYZrUIugzO/giphy.gif" />
The Canucks did pick up their best chance of the period with the penalty expired. <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/vancouver-canucks-akito-hirose-ahl-abbotsford">Akito Hirose</a> broke into the zone before dropping it back to Linus Karlsson, who made several strong moves before firing a shot labelled for the short side.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/jekb1gJWDJjo0NZUlv/giphy.gif" />
After a few missed opportunities, the Canucks finally solved Miner in the third period.
Abbotsford goal – 2-2 – Max Sasson from Jonathan Lekkerimäki and Jett Woo
Collecting the puck at neutral ice was Lekkerimäki, who sprung Sasson with a heavy pass.
Using the defender as a screen, he snapped the puck far side, just above Miner&#8217;s pads.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/pEHOMwbumd9FMPbKsz/giphy.gif" />
And they didn&#8217;t stop there.
Cutting into the middle was Arshdeep Bains, who was hauled down on the cross. Sending the puck back, it found its way to Jonathan Lekkerimäki with time and space.
But he rang it off the crossbar…
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/B41YS2c6oPW9GiMfC2/giphy.gif" />
The final five minutes offered an incredible pace, with both teams exchanging several chances.
First, Jacob MacDonald is fed alone in the slot but robbed by Silovs&#8217; blocker.
Turning things over quickly during the transition, Bains nearly connected with Lekkerimäki to send him all alone. The puck hopped over his stick to put an end to the rush.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/ZsdbxUHUSKh7wBGSwf/giphy.gif" />
The good news was that Lekkerimäki had his handprints all over the period, generating several chances for his team.
Meanwhile, Silovs continued to stand tall for the Canucks.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/pdleWiaEXT5NTo1aLK/giphy.gif" />
In fact, the final minutes saw several frantic chances for each side, with the goaltenders coming up big at both ends.
With a commanding series lead on the line, this one needed overtime.
Shots: ABB 27, COL 30 | Score: ABB 2, COL 2
<blockquote>Overtime: LK calls Game 3!</blockquote>
It was a hesitant start to the extra frame, but the Canucks were handed an early power play.
Penalties are stiff to come by during playoff overtime, but this one was clear as day.
With an Eagles player down, Linus Karlsson was nearly off to the races to grab the puck and turn the play over. However, he was dropped by stretched out stick to send the Canucks to the man advantage.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/L6A5bgG34KwRkRtaNs/giphy.gif" />
Chase Wouters picked up the best chance. After some good movement, the puck reached Wouters at the netfront. He spun and went backhand to forehand, but Miner stood tall to set the chance aside.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/TGtuNU2plINA0GvVmC/giphy.gif" />
That play represented the overtime frames&#8217; best chance for quite some time, with both teams playing apprehensive overtime hockey.
That was until under five minutes, when Silvos made the game&#8217;s save.
Jett Woo coughed up the puck with an egregious pizza up the middle, handing it right to Jayson Megna.
After being stopped seven times before, he was all alone to settle the score.
Going backhand to forehand, he stretched Silovs out, but the netminder was able to get the best of him. Again.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/q3wDtxeRlTV5puOOuC/giphy.gif" />
That&#8217;s a total of eight (8) saves on Megna.
And in hockey, there&#8217;s an unwritten rule that when one team gets a prime chance one way, something even more major has to go down at the other.
Abbotsford goal – 3-2 – Linus Karlsson from Ty Mueller
And with just over one minute to go in overtime, Linus Karlsson did what Linus Karlsson does, and that&#8217;s dig out and battle for a puck at the netfront.
Going above the shoulder of Miner, the Swede called the game to give his team the 2-1 series lead and just one game away from a berth in the Conference Finals.
<img decoding="async" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/kFZjoJ4vxxEKwnanaD/giphy.gif" />
How can you not be romantic about hockey?
Final shots: ABB 33, COL 37 | Final score: ABB 3, COL 2
<blockquote>What’s next?</blockquote>
Game 3 will take place on Friday, May 23rd, at Blue Arena, as the Colorado Eagles are on the brink of elimination. Puck drop is at 6:05 pm PT, with Game 5 (if necessary) coming on Monday, May 26th, at 2:05 pm PT.
Sponsored by bet365
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&nbsp;

The series has switched to Loveland, Colorado.

As the higher seed, the Colorado Eagles chose home-ice advantage, meaning the series now shifts to Blue Arena for the remaining three games (if necessary).
<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;

The <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/top-abbotsford-canucks-scorers-need-find-another-offensive-gear-deadlocked-colorado">Abbotsford Canucks</a>, however, arrived armed with history: after dropping <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/farmies-jonathan-lekkerimaki-scores-first-ahl-playoff-goal-5-3-game-2-defeat">Game 2</a> in all three playoff rounds, they’d roared back for <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/abbotsford-canucks-game-day-looking-bounce-back-pacific-final-picks-colorado">Game 3</a> each time, outscoring opponents 8-1.

Could they make it three?

Early signs weren’t promising as the Canucks surrendered the first goal — again — within five minutes and racked up three minor penalties in the opening frame. Despite clawing back to tie it before the buzzer, they had handed momentum to the home team.

A seesaw second period ended with a late Eagles goal, putting Abbotsford on the ropes entering the third.

But resilience has defined this Canucks team all season long. And with their backs against the wall, they battled back to force overtime on enemy turf.

After surviving a flurry of chances, Linus Karlsson played hero by calling Game 3 in dramatic fashion.

Let’s break down the action.
<blockquote>Starting lineup</blockquote>
The Abbotsford Canucks welcomed back Christian Wolanin to their blueline, a considerable addition to the team’s transition game from the backend. He replaced rookie defender Kirill Kudryavtsev.

Meanwhile, Danila Klimovich returned to the lineup after being healthy scratched (presumably) for the last four games. Not only was he back in the lineup, but he was tossed into the top six, which enables him to play to his strengths rather than his typical (playoff) fourth-line role. He replaced Dino Kambeitz.

Bains – Sasson – Lekkerimäki
Blais – Mueller – Klimovich
Nielsen – Wouters – Kalrsson
Di Giuseppe – Khaira – Smith

Brisebois – McWard
Hirose – Woo
Wolanin – Mancini

Silovs
<blockquote>First period: The Mancini show</blockquote>
The Abbotsford Canucks were the away team, which is already a slight disadvantage for a playoff game.

But to make matters worse, Tristen Nielsen took a tripping penalty just 28 seconds into the match.

Tripping, you say?

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/gRrcFqmpHJBCeLVfvJ/giphy.gif" />

That said, the team's penalty kill has been incredible all postseason long, and this one was no different. Giving the Eagles nothing on the inside, the Canucks held their ground for their 27th consecutive kill.

One of the big reasons for the team's PK success has been <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/victor-mancini-talks-trade-chaos-abbotsford-playoff-push-learning-from-quinn-hughes">Victor Mancini</a>, who single-handedly made the Eagles' power play a living nightmare.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/x4Rvglcu1Yju6JMWry/giphy.gif" />

But the Eagles would eventually grab first blood.

Colorado goal – 1-0 – John Ludvig from Oskar Olausson and Jacob MacDonald

Gaining the zone was Oskar Olausson, who fired the puck toward the net. With <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/vancouver-canucks-arturs-silovs-stats-game-2s-downright-wild">Arturs Silovs</a> steering it aside, the puck would squirt to the top of the circles, where John Ludvig collected and sent a relatively routine shot toward the net.

Unfortunately, the shot handcuffed the netminder, squeezing through the wickets as Silovs attempted to close his pads.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/7hG5SPbhjiRHuZYxN3/giphy.gif" />

Silvos has been the team's top star throughout these playoffs, but that's a shot he likely wants back.

Slow starts have been a consistent issue for this Canucks team, and this game was no exception.

Over at the other end, the Canucks collected just a few shots through the first 10 minutes, mainly off of a two-minute power play stretch.

But the majority of the play favoured the Eagles.

The best chance came just before the midway point, thanks to a heads-up play off the defensive end faceoff by Tristen Nielsen.

Nielsen went to his strong side as the puck dropped, collecting the breakout pass and sending a streaking Chase Wouters. The captain fired the puck to the blocker side, with a trailing Akito Hirose nearly cleaning up the rebound.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/oJ3O5x1f7EdMNG6VBx/giphy.gif" />

Finally, that slight stretch of momentum led to an equalizer just after the period's midway point.

Abbotsford goal – 1-1 – Victor Mancini from Jonathan Lekkerimäki and Christian Wolanin

Victor Mancini picked up the puck off the offensive zone faceoff win before making a tremendous drive and cut-in toward the net.

The puck jumped out to the high slot, where <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/vancouver-canucks-lekkerimakis-low-shot-volume-starting-hinder-playoff-success">Jonathan Lekkerimäki</a> picked it up and fired his patented shot toward the net.

Sitting on the doorstep, Mancini was still battling after his net drive. He pounced on the rebound to grab his second of the Calder Cup playoffs.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/cdqaKf9DuPZw77TxRJ/giphy.gif" />

Mancini had been the team's most noticeable player leading up to the goal, so the finish was a fitting result.

Lekkerimäki's assist was his third point in two games, after he had collected just one assist through his first five games.

Not long after the goal, Chase Wouters was called for an easy boarding penalty, sending his team to another early penalty kill.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/La6MBjXBDXqz6RFMRZ/giphy.gif" />.

Of course, they made it look easy, killing their 28th straight penalty.

Later in the period, the Canucks thought they had taken the lead late, after a tremendous drive from <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/vancouver-canucks-call-up-ty-mueller-nikita-tolopilo-ahl-abbotsford">Ty Mueller.</a>

Danila Klimovich made the play happen in the defensive zone, forcing a turnover that sent Mueller to the races.

Skating alongside a defender, he dropped the shoulder and drove for a good chance, sending goaltender Trent Miner sliding into the net.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/4CuFm6y1OXn09mnhkz/giphy.gif" />

With a good view of the puck, the referee instantly called the goal off, as it had not officially crossed the line.

The period concluded with the Canucks on yet another penalty kill. This time, Nate Smith was called for a slash, catching John Ludvig in an unfortunate spot for an unnecessary penalty.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/GPWyITMnMTSF6UQ1KR/giphy.gif" />

Killing off the first 40 seconds, the penalty would carry over to the second period.

After an undisciplined opening period, the Canucks were happy and perhaps a little lucky to emerge unscathed and even at one goal apiece.

Shots: ABB 12, COL 13 | Score: ABB 1, COL 1
<blockquote>Second period: Almost survived</blockquote>
The Canucks successfully killed the remainder of the penalty and you know what that means…

29/29.

The Canucks had a couple of low-grade chances to start the second, but Colorado had the majority of the good looks.

First, Calle Rosén sent a seeing-eye shot through traffic, which beat Silovs' blocker side but not the post.

With the Eagles continuing their press, Jake Wise sent the puck to the slot, where Mark Senden got a stick on. Silovs slid over for this one, dropping his pads on the redirect.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/OYVdBbDd1bobh84MHZ/giphy.gif" />

At the other end, Trent Miner was making his own presence felt with his best save of the game.

With Danila Klimovich cycling the puck, he spun and threw the puck toward the net. After hitting a skate in front, the puck bounced right to <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/hes-leading-by-example-vancouver-canucks-sammy-blais-leading-ahl-playoffs-points">Sammy Blais</a> with a wide-open cage.

Kicking the leg out was Miner, who made the save to keep the score even and keep Blais off the scoresheet in the series.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/7NI3hMa5gGaOsLnABv/giphy.gif" />

Meanwhile, Silovs stymied former <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/combinations">Vancouver Canuck</a> forward Jayson Megan. Not once, but twice.

First, Megna made a tremendous toe drag around a sliding Abby defender before being stopped point blank.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/Dx0DC0yBgRMrVT24XK/giphy.gif" />

Moments later, he enjoyed a favourable bounce, with the puck falling to him alone at the net front. Silovs threw up his shoulder calmly.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/jLViBz62RJF1ylxsvJ/giphy.gif" />

The Eagles finally found one late.

Colorado goal – 2-1 – Jake Wise from Matthew Phillips

The puck reached Matthew Phillips below the goal line after a failed clearing attempt from Jett Woo.

Showing patience, he found Jake Wise in the slot, who fired the one-timer past the netminder for the late go-ahead goal.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/AkWrWQoJLLb57Wtsln/giphy.gif" />

The Canucks played a solid period, but just could not hold a pressing Eagles team for a full 20 minutes.

Shots: ABB 18, COL 20 | Score: ABB 1, COL 2
<blockquote>Third period: The ASassonator</blockquote>
Without being too dramatic, the third period felt like a must-win period.

A loss, and you're forced to win two straight on the road against the Western Conference's top team.

No easy feat...

But the Eagles came out hot, grabbing several looks early to force Silovs to remain strong.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/NnLLbbneBsnGkoq3fN/giphy.gif" />

But after being hemmed in for much fo the period, the Canucks were gifted a power play and a big chance to even the score.

Both units struggled to maintain possession, however. The Abbotsford netminder was forced to make the stretch's best chance, with Megna testing Silovs once again.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/j2uRu5rVZYZrUIugzO/giphy.gif" />

The Canucks did pick up their best chance of the period with the penalty expired. <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/vancouver-canucks-akito-hirose-ahl-abbotsford">Akito Hirose</a> broke into the zone before dropping it back to Linus Karlsson, who made several strong moves before firing a shot labelled for the short side.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/jekb1gJWDJjo0NZUlv/giphy.gif" />

After a few missed opportunities, the Canucks finally solved Miner in the third period.

Abbotsford goal – 2-2 – Max Sasson from Jonathan Lekkerimäki and Jett Woo

Collecting the puck at neutral ice was Lekkerimäki, who sprung Sasson with a heavy pass.

Using the defender as a screen, he snapped the puck far side, just above Miner's pads.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/pEHOMwbumd9FMPbKsz/giphy.gif" />

And they didn't stop there.

Cutting into the middle was Arshdeep Bains, who was hauled down on the cross. Sending the puck back, it found its way to Jonathan Lekkerimäki with time and space.

But he rang it off the crossbar…

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/B41YS2c6oPW9GiMfC2/giphy.gif" />

The final five minutes offered an incredible pace, with both teams exchanging several chances.

First, Jacob MacDonald is fed alone in the slot but robbed by Silovs' blocker.

Turning things over quickly during the transition, Bains nearly connected with Lekkerimäki to send him all alone. The puck hopped over his stick to put an end to the rush.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/ZsdbxUHUSKh7wBGSwf/giphy.gif" />

The good news was that Lekkerimäki had his handprints all over the period, generating several chances for his team.

Meanwhile, Silovs continued to stand tall for the Canucks.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/pdleWiaEXT5NTo1aLK/giphy.gif" />

In fact, the final minutes saw several frantic chances for each side, with the goaltenders coming up big at both ends.

With a commanding series lead on the line, this one needed overtime.

Shots: ABB 27, COL 30 | Score: ABB 2, COL 2
<blockquote>Overtime: LK calls Game 3!</blockquote>
It was a hesitant start to the extra frame, but the Canucks were handed an early power play.

Penalties are stiff to come by during playoff overtime, but this one was clear as day.

With an Eagles player down, Linus Karlsson was nearly off to the races to grab the puck and turn the play over. However, he was dropped by stretched out stick to send the Canucks to the man advantage.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/L6A5bgG34KwRkRtaNs/giphy.gif" />

Chase Wouters picked up the best chance. After some good movement, the puck reached Wouters at the netfront. He spun and went backhand to forehand, but Miner stood tall to set the chance aside.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/TGtuNU2plINA0GvVmC/giphy.gif" />

That play represented the overtime frames' best chance for quite some time, with both teams playing apprehensive overtime hockey.

That was until under five minutes, when Silvos made the game's save.

Jett Woo coughed up the puck with an egregious pizza up the middle, handing it right to Jayson Megna.

After being stopped seven times before, he was all alone to settle the score.

Going backhand to forehand, he stretched Silovs out, but the netminder was able to get the best of him. Again.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/q3wDtxeRlTV5puOOuC/giphy.gif" />

That's a total of eight (8) saves on Megna.

And in hockey, there's an unwritten rule that when one team gets a prime chance one way, something even more major has to go down at the other.

Abbotsford goal – 3-2 – Linus Karlsson from Ty Mueller

And with just over one minute to go in overtime, Linus Karlsson did what Linus Karlsson does, and that's dig out and battle for a puck at the netfront.

Going above the shoulder of Miner, the Swede called the game to give his team the 2-1 series lead and just one game away from a berth in the Conference Finals.

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/kFZjoJ4vxxEKwnanaD/giphy.gif" />

How can you not be romantic about hockey?

Final shots: ABB 33, COL 37 | Final score: ABB 3, COL 2
<blockquote>What’s next?</blockquote>
Game 3 will take place on Friday, May 23rd, at Blue Arena, as the Colorado Eagles are on the brink of elimination. Puck drop is at 6:05 pm PT, with Game 5 (if necessary) coming on Monday, May 26th, at 2:05 pm PT.

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