For the Port Hope Predators, they are just one game away from the end of their season. In spite of losing just 23 games total out of 57 played thus far, the Preds face elimination in the East semi-finals.It's a sobering thought for Brian Drumm, Tim Clayden and their troops.
For their fans it just might be deja-vu all over again. They lost to the Wellington Dukes in the East semi-final just last year. Their fans had hoped that their fortune might change for a date in the East final this year.
It will be all hands on deck when the Preds take the the ice against the Kingston Voyageurs Sunday March 02 at the Cat . Sometimes a team facing elimination will tank but there is nothing to suggest that the Preds are anywhere near quitting and going home for the summer. There is a strong feeling they can win in Kingston and take it back home to game six. Afterall, they have played very well in Kingston losing only the 1st game 5-2 but that was much closer than the score might indicate. They lost game three 2-1 in overtime and there are some who say it could easily have gone the other way.
For the Vees, it is time to show their doubters that they are indeed, the real deal. Many of their detractors even picked the Preds to win this series and it was for good reason.
But the Voyageurs have picked their play up and there is evidence that their depth may finally be taking its' toll on the Preds. Those who know the Vees will also know that they can put four very good lines on the ice. If they stay relatively penalty-free, they can fully utilize it.
The Vees should also know that winning the 4th game in a best of seven is often the hardest one to win. The considerable efforts that owner Gregg Rosen has gone to assemble this team, is on the cusp of either paying off or failing miserably.
It is time to close the deal with a clinching game in front of their Kingston fans. If they do not, and allow this series to shift back to Port Hope for game six Monday night, this thing could well go seven games. As anybody knows, a 7th and deciding game in a best of seven is always full of drama. A flip of a coin will often determine who will win. Either team is capable.
So for the Vees, they are one win away from going to the East final for the second straight time. But if any of them think the series is a wrap, they would be gravely mistaken.If they should think that they have another 2 chances to get a win, it is a flawed plan. The urgency of winning game five is the only thing they need think of.
They have taken it one game at a time in this series. One shift and one period at a time. Anything other than that would be putting the cart before the horse, so to speak.
Kingston hasn't often faced a must-win situation this season. But when they have, their coaching staff has said they've always delivered.
To me, this is one of those must win situations. Finish it now or run the risk of handing the Preds back the momentum.
Though this series is 3 games to 1 in favour of the Vees, momentum has shifted back and forth indiscriminately.
So both teams are one game away. The Preds of being eliminated and the Vees of winning a date in the East final.
Stay tuned. Game five is about to unfold.
Wayjoy
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