GAME ONE: Whatever was suppose to hinder the Kings in the opener didn't do it's job. The Kings shook out the cob webs in the first period en route to a 6-2 win. Dan Schuler and Chad Niddery each scored twice and Craig Dalrymple and Cohen Adair added singles. The Kings out shot the Grizzlies 46-24.
TEAM PULSE
VICTORIA- The Grizz will be looking for a bounce back effort tonight, in particular a better start. Victoria did have moments early in the hockey game but were on the wrong end of a 2-0 scoring mid way through the first period. Give Victoria credit, they did battle back to level the game at two's in the second period. However, after that, the Kings took over and scored four straight to close the scoring.
It looked like the Grizz ran out of steam as the game wore on. In the third down by three Victoria looked flat and frustrated, which caused them to run into penalty trouble. Tonight the Girzzlies will have to be more disciplined and better focused throughout the sixty minutes.
Special teams is also an area that will be key as Victoria was scoreless on six chances and surrendered a short handed marker, all be it into an empty net.
POWELL RIVER- The Kings will be looking to do more of the same tonight against the Grizzlies. Yes there are areas of their game that need to be cleaned up. Powell River will have to be better in their own zone, most notably along the boards and without the puck.
The Kings were guilty of allowing the Grizzlies too much space and time in the neutral zone, which wasn't something we saw often this season. Tonight Powell River will have to be better with their gap control and positioning in both zones.
As mentioned for Victoria, the power-play for the Kings will have to be much better tonight. The coaching staff didn't hide their displeasure for the man advantage and with their personnel they will have to be better. Too many times last night the Kings were kept to the outside on the power-play and that resulted in limited scoring chances.
Who's Hot: Dan Schuler made quite the impression in his first playoff game. The 18 year old from Webster, New York scored twice and added an assist for a three point night. Chad Niddery scored twice, including a short handed empty net goal in the third. Cohen Adair had two points and Andrew Pettitt notched three assists.
Joel Lowry quietly picked up his 11th point of the playoffs in just his sixth game. Mitch Labreche scored his second goal in his third playoff game.
PUCK DROP: Playoff t-shirts are available to the public for a cost of 15 dollars. Dan Schuler will be my intermission guest tonight on SUN fm.
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