Gaudette nets early opening goal to power 1st AHL playoff series win

Canucks farmhand's second-period power-play goal stands as game-winner

San Jose Barracuda fall to Abbotsford Canucks 3-2 in series opener

Abbotsford Canucks forward Justin Gaudette scored the game-winning goal Saturday as his team defeated the San Jose Barracuda 3-2 to open their American Hockey League Western Conference quarterfinal series.

Gaudette, who was recalled from the ECHL's Kalamazoo Wings on an emergency basis less than 24 hours before the game, scored a power-play goal at 12:43 of the second period to give the Canucks a 2-0 lead.

The goal came after Barracuda defenceman Artemi Kniazev was called for tripping Canucks forward John Stevens.

Gaudette's goal proved to be the game-winner as the Barracuda rallied to tie the game in the third period but couldn't find the go-ahead goal.

The Canucks took an early 1-0 lead on a goal by forward Arshdeep Bains just 2:26 into the game.

The Barracuda got on the board at 5:04 of the third period when forward Tristen Robins scored a power-play goal to cut the deficit to 2-1.

San Jose tied the game at 12:29 of the third period when forward Sasha Chmelevski scored a goal off a rebound.

The Canucks regained the lead for good less than two minutes later when Gaudette scored his second goal of the game.

Canucks goaltender Arturs Silovs made 29 saves to earn the win, while Barracuda goaltender Alexei Melnichuk made 25 saves in the loss.

The two teams will meet again in Game 2 of the series on Sunday in Abbotsford. The series will then shift to San Jose for Games 3 and 4 on Tuesday and Wednesday.