After dropping their series opener 4-1 to the Terriers on Friday, the Waywayseecappo Wolverines return to home ice on Sunday night looking to tie up their first-round matchup against the Portage Terriers.
Portage got off to a quick start on Friday night at home and didn’t look back. After taking a 2-0 lead into the first-period media timeout, the Wolverines would settle in a find a response when Ryley Cardinal scored on a rebound to make it 2-1.
But, it was a pair of powerplay goals four minutes apart from Sam Huston near the end of the first period that ultimately sunk the Wolverines on Friday night.
Keys to the Game
The Wolverines can’t wait around to play their brand of hockey. From the start of game two, Waywayseecappo will need to feed off of the energy from the home crowd and translate that into energy on the ice by using their speed and tenacity on pucks to frustrate the Terriers.
Although periods two and three were much better for the Wolverines on Friday, If they want to take game two they’ll need to stay out of the penalty box with the potent offensive attack the Terriers showed in game one.
Getting the cycle going will also be another key for the Wolverines in order to have success. Making quick and better decisions will go a long way in the offensive zone when attacking the Terriers.
The Wolverines never quite tested out Ethan Peterson with many shots coming from the perimeter. They’ll need to continuously put pucks on net in game two.
News and Notes
Some changes to the lineup could be expected in game two both up front and on the back end.
One thing that’s for sure is Isaac LaBelle getting the call once again in the Wolverines net.
The Wolverines are set to play their first home playoff game since 2014 and a rowdy crowd is expected at the arena complex on Sunday.
Game Updates
You can watch tonights game on hockeytv.com or follow along on social media…
mjhl_Wolverines – Twitter
Wayway Wolverines – Facebook
Instagram – wolverines_mjhl