Abbotsford Canucks losing streak reaches eight games

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Thankully it’s only November, but the Abbotsford Canucks are reeling after a dreadful home stand saw them go winless in six games and establish a new franchise record for consecutive losses with eight.

Unprecedented injury issues with their parent team in Vancouver combined with the regular roster makeover that happens every year in the AHL has spelled disaster early for Abbotsford.

The most recent calamity for the Canucks occurred with two lopsided losses to the Henderson Silver Knights on Saturday (Nov. 1) and Sunday (Nov. 2) inside the Abbotsford Centre. Henderson dusted the Canucks 6-1 on Saturday and then beat them down 7-3 on Sunday.

Special teams were a big part of the story from the two losses, with the Silver Knights converting on six of 10 power play opportunities. Friday saw Henderson go four for five on the power play, which was a new team record for the visitors.

Abbotsford allowed three power play goals in the last four minutes of the first period and then allowed another power play goal at 13:04 of the second. The Canucks trailed 5-0 after 40 minutes, but got on the scoreboard when Ty Mueller scored his first on the season. Ontario added another goal just three minutes later to reach the 6-1 final.

Goalie Jiri Patera made 27 saves in the loss and Abbotsford was out shot 33-26.

Canucks forward Juhjar Khaira said the team needs some work to get back on track.

“Obviously we need to do a reset here,” he said. “There were parts of the game where we played well, but there were a lot of parts where we backed off and let them do their thing. So I think it’s having a reset after tonight and then getting back to our game plan.”

The reset didn’t come into effect the next day when Abbotsford was blitzed in the second and third period by Henderson. The Canucks led 2-1 early in the second period after a pair of power play goals by Joseph Labate, but the Silver Knights responded with six unanswered goals over the next two periods. Ben Berard added a late goal for the Canucks.

The Canucks were out shot 40-22 and goalie Ty Young recorded his third straight loss. Abbotsford has just 17 goals in 10 games this season and have only scored eight even strength goals. The penalty kill now ranks tied for 31st in the league and is operating at 71.4 per cent.

The eighth consecutive loss this season breaks the previous record of six, which was first established last season from Dec. 20, 2024 to Jan. 4, 2025. Abbotsford’s record now sits at 2-7-0-1 and they occupy the basement of the Pacific Division.

The club now hits the road for games against the Colorado Eagles on Friday (Nov. 7) and Saturday (Nov. 8). The next home game sees the Canucks host the San Jose Barracuda on Nov. 11.