‘He’s leading by example’: Canucks’ Sammy Blais leading AHL playoffs in points

The Abbotsford Canucks are venturing to some uncharted waters, as they will advance to to the Pacific Division finals for the first time in the franchise’s history.

Dealing with injuries, as well as some of their top regular season contributors struggling out of the gate, it has been their depth that has stepped up and carried the offence for the team.

Two of the team’s top scorers, Max Sasson and Linus Karlsson, have five points, with Phil Di Giuseppe sitting at six through seven games. But the rest of the leaders come from the bottom six of the lineup.

Jujhar Khaira and Nate Smith are both tied with Sasson and Karlsson with five. But nobody has been more impactful to this Abbotsford Canucks roster than Sammy Blais.

With three goals and five assists for eight points, Sammy Blais leads the entire AHL playoffs in points.

As a 28-year-old surrounded by one of the youngest AHL rosters, Blais is not backing down from the challenge to be a leader during this playoff run.

“He’s leading by example,” Canucks head coach Manny Malhotra said. “He knows what it takes this time of year to be successful and to be a contributor in a game, and he’s been doing that. He’s physical every night. He’s on the forecheck, hunting pucks. If you look at all his points, they’re a result of doing the right things. So our guys see that. They see what’s required to be effective at this time of year, and he’s leading by example.”

Blais has plenty of playoff experience – both in the NHL and AHL – that he can help bring to some of the younger players. With the St. Louis Blues in 2019, Blais earned an opportunity to make his NHL playoff debut after just 43 regular season games. He took that opportunity and never gave it back.

He would make an impact right away, scoring in his first playoff game. The fast, hard-hitting, offensive game that Blais plays is perfect for playoff hockey, which led to him earning a permanent spot in the lineup. Blais would finish that playoff run with the lone goal and two assists through 15 games, but had a Stanley Cup ring to show for it.

“He’s a Stanley Cup champion,” teammate Max Sasson said. “He’s been in big moments throughout his whole career. He’s calm. He feels almost like he plays better and rises to the occasion in these crucial games and big situations, and doesn’t surprise me at all. He’s a special player, special human, and we’re gonna keep going. We’re gonna need him to keep doing his thing.”

In the opening round against the Tucson Roadrunners, Blais was the main offensive contributor. In Game 1, Blais scored two goals, with his second being the eventual game-winner. In Game 2, Blais added an assist on the Canucks’ only goal of the game. In Game 3, Blais officially closed the door on any Roadrunners comeback by scoring the fourth goal of the game.

However, the Canucks would struggle through injuries up front in the following series as Jonathan Lekkerimäki was sidelined, and Aatu Räty was hurt in Game 2 of the series. This forces the Canucks head coach to juggle his lines for their series against Coachella Valley, which led to an unsuspecting trio that popped.

Malhotra put Blais alongside Jujhar Khaira and Nate Smith in Game 2, and they clicked.

The trio connected on two third period goals, to tie the game and eventually take the lead. Their line opened the scoring in Game 3, with Blais assisting on Smith’s goal.

In the series, the trio combined for 14 points (Blais five, Khaira and Smith four).

Khaira spoke about what it was like to have Blais on his wing, and what he brought to their line:

“I mean, you see it with this play. He talks, he gets in it with a few guys out there, but he’s a great player,” Khaira said. “I played against him a ton, too – hated playing against him. Glad he’s on my line. And you know, I crack up playing with him. He’s awesome. His composure is amazing out there, his skill set, the plays he makes. It’s fun to watch. It’s fun to be on ice with him. I mean, all you really gotta do is get open, and he’s going to find you.”

Blais and the Abbotsford Canucks return to action Friday, May 16 for Game 1 of the Pacific Division finals against the Colorado Eagles.