Playoffs are supposed to be full of suspense.
This one clearly has been that way, with low scores, and
outcomes in doubt. It all adds to the excitement.
Games One and Two demonstrated that home ice didn’t mean
that much. The teams split, each picking up a victory in the other’s
rink.
Game Three saw the Bearcats get out of the gate quickly, and
sustained pressure for the full sixty minutes.
It was one of the most complete Bearcat games in recent weeks.
There was no downside to their effort, and mistakes were minimal.
Regardless of shots-against, the Wildcats were on a mission as
well. They had their chances but a Bearcat empty-netter solidified the
3-1 win.
In Berwick, Friday, the Bearcats had a quick start, but the
Wildcats matched the effort to the end.
Valley forced the OT by tying the game on the powerplay with
two seconds left on the clock, then won it eight minutes into the extra
session.
That was a tough loss but just a continuation of the way this
Grand Bay—Westfield, NB
5’10”, 160 lbs.
19, Forward
series has unfolded. Truro needed a bounce-back game.
Sunday, in Truro, the Bearcats jumped to a two goal lead but
saw it evaporate in the second as the Wildcats picked away until tying
it up in the third.
For the third time in the five games, OT was required. Seven
minutes in, the Bearcats found the back of the net to take a 3-2 series
lead.
Both teams had their chances and both goalies had to come up
big by times. The fans were treated to end-to-end action, with a bit of
feistiness thrown in.
The series moves to Berwick for Game Six, on Tuesday. The
Wildcats, who likely feel they deserve a better fate, are on the brink of
elimination.
There will be no holds barred in this one. Game Seven, if
necessary, will be held Thursday at the RECC.
The stats show there’s not a whole lot different between the
teams. After five games, the Bearcats had scored 14 goals, the
Wildcats 12, and the best players had to be their best players.
Bearcat-of-the-Week honours go to forward, Carter McCluskey.
An injury forced him out of the action early in Game One. He returned
to the lineup for Game 5, scoring two, including the winner, and
assisted on one other. For sure, his presence was felt.