The Wayway Wolverines out-shot the Winkler Flyers 14-8 in the first period, and maybe deserved a multiple goal lead, but found themselves up 1-0, after a Paul Van de Velde powerplay goal.
That lead also stood through 40 minutes, before the Flyers scored three times in the third, including an empty netter to win it 3-1, and take the series in six.
Jordan Neduzak, the most dangerous Flyer in the series, tied the game and added an empty-netter in the final minute, while the game winner came off the stick of Chapen Leblond.
Who would have thought, the Wolverines wouldn't win another game after their thrilling Game 3 come-from-behind overtime decision, where they scored twice in the final 8 seconds to force overtime...
Game 6 was the only game in the series decided by more than one goal, and it was with an empty-netter.
The first five were all one-goal games, 4 of which in overtime, including a double and a triple OT.
I asked both coaches during the Pre Game Show if they've "aged" a little faster during this series, and both gave great answers.
Wayway's Barry Butler: "Not at all. I love it. You live to play and coach in games like this, at this time of year. It's awesome."
Winkler's John Marks: "My hair can't get any more grey and I can't get much older. Barry over there is no spring chicken either. We've both seen our share of hockey, but I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing if I didn't get a little excited after a triple overtime win or a little nervous going into another overtime."
Another great series to cover in this post-season.
I want to wish Wayway's eight 20-year-olds all the best.
F Paul Van de Velde
F Ryan Duhaime
F Dave Williams
F Josh Daley
F Joe Carney
D Jordan Holovach
D Matt Malenstyn
G Ryan Benitez
The franchise is still looking for their first playoff round win... and a good returning group will try to make next year the year... with Brett Gagnon returning in goal, Stephane Robidoux and Steven Duda anchoring the blueline as 20-year-olds, and Shane Goodrunning and Brett Pinkerton leading the way up front. The whole line of Veitch-Howie-Walker can come back, and they got better and better all year.
Thanks to Barry, Thomas, Wes, and the rest of the Wolverines' staff and organization. First class all the way!
----------------
I was really hoping at least one of our Manitoba teams could pull off a Game 6 win on home ice, which would have me in either Portage or Winkler for a Game 7 on Tuesday.
But, that's not how it worked out.
Sunday night marked the 9th night in a row I had a game on the air... 12 in the last 13 nights... and since playoffs started... it's been 15 games in 17 nights!
It's too bad that 3 of our 4 teams bowed out in round one, but if nothing else, I'll get a little more sleep the rest of the way. Not that I get paid per hour, but I added the last two weeks up out of curiosity. Last week's total was Doug Gilmour's # and this week's was worn by Eric Lindros.
Only Yorkton remains, and the rink is about 4 minutes from my place. And, with the distance, and home ice advantage, there'll only be a maximum of two road trips to Kindersley... once for Games 3 and 4, and another if Game 6 is necessary (and it's a pretty safe bet it will be!).
So... nothing until Friday, and nothing out of town until next Tuesday.
As I write this I'm not sure if I'm going into work at all on Monday. I've got my annual throat/sinuses infection, that I seem to get every year at around this time... partly because of the time of year, and mainly, I think, because of my average bed time being 3:00am for 2 or 3 weeks straight. I probably would have taken a sick day or two last week if not for games, and with Monday an off-night... I just may re-coop at home and try to get better for at least one day.
With the Terriers being our only remaining club in the playoffs... we'll have every one of their games on the air as long as they're in.
Game 1 Friday night!
No comments:
Post a Comment