There
is nothing like playoff hockey. No lead is safe. No shift is meaningless, and
no play is easy.
The moment
you get comfortable and take your foot off the gas you are playing with fire.
The Waterloo Wolves almost got burnt when they ended the game in penalty
trouble and letting up on their intensity in the third enroute to a 3 to 2 win
over the Kitchener Jr Rangers.
You
need to respect your opponent and you need to manage the puck and play much better
than the Wolves did Wednesday night. That said, the Rangers showed heart and
dedication and made it clear this series is anything but over.
And
the Wolves are ready.
The Wolves
got off to a quick start in the first period with Matthew Ball scoring from
Declan Uniac and Cole Ledgister scoring from Tate Merritt. Then the team seemed
to just go through the motion until a minute remained in the second period and
Griffin Beddis got the eventual game winner from Jacob Reid-Brant and Merritt.
However,
the Wolves did not play with the same intensity and dedication as the previous
game and it allowed the Rangers to come alive. Add in some ill-timed penalties
and next thing you know the Wolves found themselves in a 6 on 3 disadvantage
with the Rangers pressing. It was Ben Pendleton that came to the teams rescue
when they were put in an unforgivable situation. Pendleton was sharp all game
but particularly focused and determined with the Wolves holding onto the lead.
Team
depth has been a strength all season and with a couple player unavailable that
depth was on display. Cullen Derry’s ability to play throughout the line up was
utilized on a line with another speedster, Tyler O’Hearn, and complimented by
the toughness of Ryan Beckner. Matthew Anderson brough a physicality to the
Ball and Uniac line. Jake Patterson and Jackson McNichol had to step up their
play without Derry on defense and the dependable Connor Palmer complimented the
tough and steady Yianni Peppas. The reliable captain, Carson Bernhardt,
continued with his partner Merritt.
Headed
to Kitchener the player knows they will need to play more discipline and
intense. With the Rangers season hanging by a thread and facing elimination you
know they are going to bring their best game yet. The Wolves will need to be
ready for the fight of their season and rise above the drama and hostility to
focus on what is most important……taking that next step!
Go
Wolves.