The Port Hope Predators came into town fresh off a 4 game manhandling of the Lindsay Muskies.
In fact, the 1st period was the Preds' best. But, thanks to Vees' Mat Hache, a single powerplay marker by the Preds in their 5 minute powerplay was all they could muster.
What the scoreboard doesn't tell you is that Vees' pest Cole Weedmark, in front of the Vees' bench, stapled Preds' ace Jeremy McCarty on a nasty check from behind. He drew a five minute major and an automatic game misconduct.The Vees gave up the Port Hope goal on that 5 minute powerplay but managed to get out of the period without further damage.
It really was a rough night for the slick Fort Frances native. With the score tied 2-2, Miller, deep in the Vees end, took a skate cut to the back of his calf deep in the Vees' end. Miller's injury took medical attention that finished him this night.
Latchford's game winner was an absolute beauty. He neatly converted a Vick Schlueter pass to put the Vees ahead for good. Schlueter did all the work on this short-handed marker that really turned the tide for the Vees.
When Chad Dunlop returned the checking from behind favour early in the third, it was another momentum shift. He nailed Vees' sniper Schlueter from behind near the Vees bench. He drew a minor and a game misconduct.
Vees' Andrew Marcoux scored on the powerplay. He had a great initial shot on goal but Stone gave up a big rebound. Marcoux, falling, flipped a nifty back hander past Stone and it was 4-2.
It really took the steam out of the Predator attack having lost Miller to injury and Dunlop to an automatic game. They are two really important cogs in the Predator offensive arsenal.
Phil McIlhone's blast was called back seconds later when the play was reviewed by the officials. It would have made it 5-2 but instead, the Vees clung to a 4-2 lead.
Then a long delay with just under 17 minutes left in the game. The glass partition supports had to be repaired when it popped out of place. The delay and repairs took a considerable length of time.
The Vees could easily have lost their momentum that they had gained on the early flurry in the third period. But not this night.
When Jacob Wright muscled the puck by the last Port Hope defender, he went in and converted a brilliant solo effort to make it 5-2. The Preds looked to pack it in this night after that.
It was shutdown time for the Vees and a steady diet of chipping the puck out of their zone and getting it in deep. The Preds appeared to have lost interest, as much because they had lost two very important players as the Vees' mastery of tactics.
In this wonderful game of hockey that we all love so much, it is often about key moments in a game that will determine its' outcome. This one was one of those.
This series is a long, long ways from over. It is only game one of what is looking like a long hard series for both teams.
The Port Hope Predators are not about to lay down. They'll be very tough at the
Jack tomorrow afternoon. They simply are too good a team and will be making every effort to even this best of seven at a game apiece.
If Miller is ok to play, and he should be, it's my bet they'll win tomorrow. This unless, the Vees come up with the same kind of superb team effort they did today.
I really get nervous after the Vees play such a well- rounded game like they did today. They often follow it up with a stinker.
But there is another reason why you should get your tail out to the games. What the scoring summary doesn't tell you is the superlative efforts of a lot of players.
Vees' captain Brandon Perry and Mike Moreau led the way with simply hard work. That kind of diligence is infectious and it spread to the whole Vees' bench.
Great to see
Csspostal and his entourage at the game. And another respected guest,
Pepsihead with his youngster in tow, all decked out in Leaf costume.
You said you would make it once to Kingston this year and I appreciate you making the long trek,
Pepsi .
Stay tuned.
EDIT:
It was Jeremy McCarty who got checked from behind by Vees' Cole Weedmark
Wayjoy
