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Sasson’s two goals, Martin’s shutout leads Abbotsford to game one win over Bakersfield

Abbotsford Canucks defeat Bakersfield Condors 3-0, take a 1-0 series lead into Friday’s game two
Ben Lypka
Ben Lypka
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Max Sasson (#27) and the Abbotsford Canucks earned a 3-0 win over the Bakersfield Condors in game one of the first round best-of-three series on Wednesday (April 19). (Ben Lypka/Abbotsford News)

“Big Game” Max Sasson potted two goals (and one busted nose) and goalie Spencer Martin earned a shutout as the Abbotsford Canucks posted a 3-0 win over the Bakersfield Condors on Wednesday (April 19) and take a 1-0 lead in the first round best-of-three series.

An uneventful first period saw the Condors have a goal disallowed for kicking and the Canucks struggle to generate much offence. Abbotsford outshot Bakersfield 6-5, but perhaps the most notable play came when Sasson got rocked by Bakersfield’s Greg McKegg and his visor split his nose open.

Four stitches and one period later, “Big Game” Max struck. The 22-year-old, who last month was playing for Western Michigan University, pounced on a Nils Höglander rebound and put the Canucks up 1-0 at 1:28 of the second.

Sasson scored again after a perfect tic-tac-toe passing play from linemates Kyle Rau and Höglander at 4:58 of the second. The Canucks amped the intensity and took control of the game in the second, outshooting Bakersfield 12-7.

Defencenman and repeat fan favourite award winner Jack Rathbone connected on the power play at 14:28 for a little extra insurance and goalie Spencer Martin held the fort to earn his first-ever AHL playoff shutout and win.

Abbotsford outshot Bakersfield 30-21, with Rathbone leading the way with five shots. The Rau-Höglander-Sasson line had an excellent night and all three players had two point nights.

It was a bit of a surprise that goalie Arturs Silovs, the team’s most valuable did not start, but Canucks head coach Jeremy Colliton said he likes the competition between his two netminders.

“He [Martin] was excellent but I think both guys have been excellent,” he said. “The competition between the two is what I think pushed them to play their best hockey this season. They both want to play. I don’t think either guy is totally satisfied with the arrangement, but the team likes it so that’s what is most important.”

Colliton said both teams were slow to start, but liked his team’s play as the game continued.

“I thought enough of the details were done well that allowed us to get a result but we’re going to need to play better,” he said. “They’re going to be desperate next game for sure. But overall it was a pretty good start for a bunch of guys who don’t have a ton of experience.”

Sasson praised his linemates and said he believes game two on Friday (April 21) will be a challenge.

“Bakersfield is going to come out extremely hard,” he said. “They don’t want their season to end and it’s going to take a better effort than tonight to finish them off.”

Sasson also stated that a speech from Abbotsford Canucks general manager Ryan Johnson during a team meeting motivated the club.

“Everything he said about having fun and that you don’t know how many chances [in playoffs] you’re going to get really resonated with us,” he said. “Rathbone even said I wish we could play right now. The message was awesome and we were definitely ready to go after that speech.”

Martin was complimentary of the team in front of him and noted that he didn’t really face a lot of dangerous chances. He also said the tandem with Silovs has been good for both guys.

“He’s a sick young goalie,” Martin said. “He’s got an extreme high end and he’s been showing it. It’s been cool to work with him and Marko [Torenius, Abbotsford goalie coach] and he has some things I’ve been trying to pick up on and maybe the other way around too. It’s been good and competitive and we’re both ready to lead.”

Colliton did not share who will be starting on Friday, but in recent weeks he has been splitting the duties.

Another player who may draw into the lineup on Friday is defenceman Filip Johansson, who joined the team from Sweden earlier this week.

Game two of the series occurs on Friday at 7 p.m. and the Canucks can eliminate Bakersfield with a win. Game three, if necessary, is set for Sunday (April 23) at 7 p.m.

RELATED: Three keys to the best-of three: Abbotsford Canucks open playoffs vs. Bakersfield Condors

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A large Canadian flag was shared across the arena during the national anthem. (Ben Lypka/Abbotsford News)
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Fin was in the house on Wednesday. (Ben Lypka/Abbotsford News)
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Canucks head coach Jeremy Colliton had led his club to its first-ever playoff win. (Ben Lypka/Abbotsford News)
Ben Lypka

About the Author: Ben Lypka

I joined the Abbotsford News in 2015.
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