The Battalion celebrate a Nick Moutrey goal in game one in Barrie. PHOTO BY TOM MARTINEAU.
The Battalion got what they wanted.
The Battalion got the split in their opening two games in the OHL Eastern Conference Semi-Finals against the Barrie Colts.
After dropping a tight 3-2 decision and never having the lead in game one, the Battalion turned the tables on the hometown Colts Sunday night as they took a 2-0 lead and held on for a 3-2 win of their own to even the series at 1-1.
“Obviously for us to get a split was pretty important in those games, I mean, obviously we had to at least get one win there to get home ice back but now it doesn’t matter because they are going to try to do the same thing to us,” said Stan Butler, Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations with the Battalion.
Now with home ice advantage on their side the Battalion is looking to carry that momentum to the rink tonight for game 3.
“We just hope the 7th man is loud and proud Tuesday night but the game is played on the ice and we have to make the plays that are necessary for us to be successful,” said Butler.
The last time Barrie came into the Troops barn was back on January 15th and the visitors snuck out of the Gardens with a 2-1 shootout win.
Butler believes his veteran squad needs to be more aware of the Colts quick striking offence. The Colts showed that in the early second period with 2 goals in less than 3 minutes to even the score at 2-2.
"You have to manage the puck against them and you don’t want to give them odd man rushes," said Butler about the Colts speed.
"They are a very opportunistic team and we’ve just got to make sure that they are going to get there goals we just have to make sure if that’s going to happen we are going to make sure that they had to come along way up and down the ice in order to be successful," added Butler.
Playoff Ice Chips
Nick Paul leads the Battalion in playoff scoring with 4 goals and 5 assists for 9 points. Teammate Mike Amadio is close behind with 4 goals and 4 assists....The Memorial Gardens Box Office will open at 8:30 a.m. today to try and accomodate ticket buyers.
