The Waywayseecappo Wolverines will look to carry momentum from Monday nights game two victory into game three on Wednesday night when the Wolverines hunt for the series lead against the Stamps’ in Swan River.
Two early goals in the third period were the biggest difference on Monday night which helped the Wolverines tie the best-of-seven MJHL quarterfinal series at 1-1.
Game Two Recap
1st Period: it was another intense first period between these two clubs as the Wolverines were on the hunt, looking to tie this opening series at 1-1. Nathan Carl would open the scoring on the powerplay for his second of the playoffs to give the Stamps’ an early 1-0 lead.
Just 1:01 later, Gerrik Ripley sent the Waywayseecappo Arena Complex into a frenzy when his wrist shot beat Mikael Foucher to tie the game at 1-1 with the teams’ first goal of the postseason.
2nd Period: Although it probably wasn’t how they drew it up, the Wolverines finally solved their powerplay woes at 7:42 of the period. A shot off the end glass popped out in front where Rayman Bassi backhanded the puck into the net, giving the Wolverines their first lead of the series.
No more than seven minutes later, Frazer Dodd scored his first of two on the night to tie the game up at 2-2 heading into the third and final period.
3rd Period: Whatever was said amongst the Wolverines between periods certainly worked. Off a draw in the offensive zone, Conrad Phillips picked up a rebound in front and waited long enough to beat Mikael Foucher at the side of the net, giving the Wolverines a 3-2 lead just 1:34 into the period.
Only 39 seconds later, Brody Moffatt stepped into a slap shot that squeaked through the wickets of Foucher to give the Wolverines a two-goal lead. Dodd would score his second of the night at 13:18 and the Stamps’ would press. Pulling Foucher for the extra attacker would give the Wolverines some trouble, but they would hold on to take the 4-3 win.
Series Details
Wolverines Powerplay: 1/11
Stampeders Powerplay: 4/8
Shots 68-63 Stampeders
For the second straight game, the Stampeders were able to capitalize on two out of their four opportunities with the man-advantage.
The Wolverines were able to get one on the powerplay in game two and will try and press some more during game three to crack the strong penalty kill of the Stampeders.
Keys To Game Three
Keep It Simple
The Wolverines are at their best when sticking to their game plan and using their speed. There was nothing fancy about the Wolverines performance in game two. Driving hard to the net, blocking shots and staying focused through sixty minutes and beyond is the recipe for success. Keep it simple.
In Ahern We Trust
Since being acquired by the Wolverines in early January, Colin Ahern has made a big impact both on and off the ice with his calm demeanor. In game two, Ahern made a number of key stops to keep the lead and his confidence permeates throughout the Wolverines lineup. The 20-year-old will look to continue his solid play in the Wolverines crease on Wednesday.
Walk The Line
Swan Valley has granted the Wolverines with eleven opportunities with the man-advantage. Continuing to frustrate their opponent without taking penalties of their own will go a long way for the Wolverines with the success that the Stampeders have had on the powerplay. Walking the fine line between taking a penalty and not will be huge with the Stamps’ powerplay unit operating at 50%.
News and Notes
It’s expected the Wolverines will stick with a similar lineup if not identical to game two.
Colin Ahern came up with a number of game-saving stops in his return to the lineup after missing game one with an injury.
Monday nights game two victory was the Wolverines first win in the MJHL Playoffs since 2013 when the Wolverines fell 4-games-to-2 in the opening round against the Dauphin Kings.
The Wolverines will return to home ice on Friday night when they host the Stampeders in game four at 7:30.
Series Schedule
GAME FOUR Friday, March 13 | Stampeders @ Wolverines – 7:30
GAME FIVE Monday, March 16 | Wolverines @ Stampeders – 7:30 *If Necessary
GAME SIX Tuesday, March 17 | Stampeders @ Wolverines – 7:30 *If Necessary
GAME SEVEN Wednesday, March 18 | Wolverines @ Stampeders – 7:30 *If Necessary
Where To Watch
Watch each game between the Wolverines and Stampeders live on HockeyTV.com or follow the Wolverines on Twitter @mjhlWolverines for live game updates.