Benning Strikes in Overtime to Lift Charlotte Over Abbotsford in Game Two Thriller…
The Abbotsford Canucks fell 3-2 in overtime to the Charlotte Checkers on Sunday, June 15, evening the Calder Cup Finals series at 1-1 as the action now shifts to Abbotsford.
For many Vancouver Canucks fans, the name Benning carries mixed memories — and on Sunday, it resurfaced painfully. Charlotte defenceman Michael Benning, nephew of former Canucks GM Jim Benning, fired the game-winning goal past Abbotsford goalie Arturs Silovs at 4:02 of overtime, sealing the Checkers’ victory. The goal was Benning’s fifth of the postseason, tying him for the most among all playoff defencemen.
Charlotte dominated the shot count 42-13, while the Canucks managed just two shots in the second period and four in the third. Despite a strong start, Abbotsford couldn’t generate consistent offensive pressure.
The first period featured fast-paced action. John Leonard gave Charlotte the lead just over three minutes in, but Sammy Blais quickly responded for Abbotsford 62 seconds later. Confusion followed, as officials initially hesitated to signal a goal before confirming it after discussion. Curiously, Blais was also assessed a goaltender interference penalty on the same play.
The Checkers regained the lead with a Wilmer Skoog power play goal at 11:14, but Abbotsford equalized with Linus Karlsson capitalizing on a man advantage at 17:38. Blais and Arshdeep Bains assisted on the goal.
The second period turned scrappy, filled with physical play and post-whistle skirmishes. Blais briefly exited after a hit from Justin Sourdif, while Tobias Bjornfot left the game following a big hit from Nathan Smith and Chase Wouters, forcing Charlotte to play with five defencemen. Danila Klimovich also exited with an injury but later returned.
In the third, Christian Wolanin struck iron twice, but the Canucks failed to convert, being outshot 10-4. In overtime, Abbotsford squandered an early power play without a shot, and the Checkers made them pay. After gaining a power play of their own, Benning capitalized on a failed Abbotsford clearance to end the game.
Only Bains and Wolanin had more than one shot for Abbotsford. Charlotte’s Rasmus Asplund, Benning, and Leonard each tallied five shots. Kaapo Kähkönen made 11 saves for the win in front of a record crowd of 8,689 at Bojangles Coliseum.
Abbotsford head coach Manny Malhotra expressed disappointment:
“We’re obviously not happy with the result. We had chances, especially on the power play in overtime, and didn’t execute. Starting slow has been a recurring issue. We need to be more aggressive from puck drop.”
Malhotra also criticized his team’s discipline, citing excessive penalties.
Charlotte coach Geordie Kinnear praised his squad:
“That was a complete 60-minute effort. Special teams delivered when it mattered most. I’m proud of the group, but we still have work to do.”
Regarding the controversial Blais goal, Kinnear said officials told him the interference happened after the puck crossed the line, though he expressed concern over the hit that sidelined Bjornfot, hinting at potential lineup changes.
With the series now tied, Abbotsford is guaranteed to host the next three games at the Abbotsford Centre:
- Game 3: Tuesday, June 17 at 7 p.m.
- Game 4: Thursday, June 19 at 7 p.m.
- Game 5: Saturday, June 21 at 6 p.m.
