Max Szuber Shocks Hockey World with World Championship Debut

Roadrunners Roundly Triumph: Force Game 3 in Calder Cup Playoff Series

Abbotsford, BC – Facing elimination on the road, the Tucson Roadrunners responded with a complete team effort to defeat the Abbotsford Canucks 4-1 in Game 2, evening the best-of-three series and forcing a decisive Game 3 on Saturday. Thursday’s win at the Abbotsford Centre marked Tucson’s first Calder Cup Playoff victory since the opening round of the 2023 postseason against Coachella Valley.

Stauber Steals the Show: Goaltending Heroics

Alternate captain Ben McCartney paced the Roadrunners with a career night, recording three points (2g, 1a) including his first-ever playoff goal and both multi point and multi-goal postseason outing. He opened the scoring at 12:30 of the first period, tipping Kevin Connauton’s point shot past Canucks netminder Artūrs Šilovs to give Tucson a 1-0 lead. The assist marked Connauton’s first point of the series. The Roadrunners extended their lead early in the second when Andrew Agozzino buried a one-timer at 3:58, giving the veteran forward his third career Calder Cup Playoff game-winning goal and team-high 10th overall playoff tally. Agozzino also assisted on McCartney’s opening goal for his fifth career multi-point postseason performance. Artem Duda notched the secondary assist on the play, giving the rookie defenseman two points (1g, 1a) through his first two Calder Cup games. The Roadrunners dominated the middle frame and capped it off with a highlight-reel breakaway goal from Kailer Yamamoto with just 18 seconds left. The tally was Yamamoto’s first of the series and first career Calder Cup Playoff goal, adding to his resume of clutch postseason moments that includes nine goals and 12 points in 34 career NHL playoff games.

Linus Karlsson got the Canucks on the board 2:54 into the third, but Tucson controlled the last seven minutes of the game and sealed the win when McCartney scored an empty netter with 1:40 left to complete his standout night. In net, Jaxson Stauber was sensational in his second career playoff start. The 25-year-old stopped 38 of 39 shots, including several highlight-reel saves, to earn his first postseason win and backstop a perfect 5-for-5 penalty kill effort from the Roadrunners.

McCartney’s Breakout Performance

In just his sixth career Calder Cup Playoff appearance, McCartney made his mark, scoring his first two postseason goals—including the opening tally that gave Tucson a 1–0 lead in the first period. The 23-year-old forward got a piece of Connauton’s blast from the blue line and deflected it home. The goal continued a trend in the series: Tucson generating offense from the perimeter. Three of the Roadrunners’ first four goals in the series originated from the point.

The performance showcased McCartney’s knack for being in the right place at the right time, a quality that has become increasingly valuable for the Roadrunners throughout the season. His ability to capitalize on opportunities, particularly in high-pressure situations, solidifies his position as a key player for the team’s continued success.

Team Effort Trumps Individual Brilliance

While McCartney’s performance stole the show, it was a collective effort from the Roadrunners that propelled them to victory. This was evident in the team’s balanced attack, which saw contributions from several players beyond McCartney.

• Andrew Agozzino’s third career Calder Cup Playoff game-winning goal and team-high 10th overall playoff tally underscored his veteran presence and ability to deliver in crucial moments.
• Kailer Yamamoto’s highlight-reel breakaway goal, his first of the series and first career Calder Cup Playoff goal, demonstrated his speed and offensive instincts.
• Artem Duda’s two points (1g, 1a) through his first two Calder Cup games showcased his potential as a dynamic offensive threat.

The Roadrunners’ defensive performance was equally impressive. Their ability to stifle the Canucks’ offense and limit high-danger scoring chances was a major factor in securing the victory. This strong defensive performance, combined with Stauber’s stellar goaltending, formed a formidable wall that kept the Canucks at bay.

The Roadrunners’ triumph in Game 2 demonstrated their resilience and determination to overcome adversity. Facing elimination, the team rallied together, showcasing their collective strength and unwavering belief in their abilities. This momentum shift in the series sets the stage for a thrilling Game 3, where both teams will be fighting tooth and nail for the chance to advance to the next round.