Broncos determined to refocus for Game 7
The Swift Current Broncos were showing signs of memory loss on Saturday night.
It was a natural response after they were pasted 7-2 by the Regina Pats to even a first-round WHL playoff series at three wins apiece. The next obvious step is to put all their energy into Game 7 on Monday night in Swift Current.
“We have to,” said head coach Manny Viveiros. “We didn’t play well by any means but we didn’t lose the series. We just have to move past it. We knew this was going to be a long series. It’s no surprise at all. We’re prepared for it.”
Regardless of Saturday’s outcome, the Broncos can at least derive comfort from the fact that Game 7 will take place at the Credit Union iplex.
That’s why it’s called home-ice advantage.
“It doesn’t guarantee anything at all but … the familiarity is good for our team,” added Viveiros. “(Game 6) is done and over with. I know Regina didn’t feel good about themselves after (a 5-2 loss in Swift Current on Friday). Look how they responded. That’s how this series has gone, but I suspect both teams are going to have their best game on Monday.”
The Broncos didn’t respond under difficult circumstances on Saturday, knowing full well Regina would be desperate to extend the series with a little help from its fans.
The Pats rose to that challenge, which is what Swift Current hopes to do Monday.
“With playoffs it has to be a short-term memory,” said Broncos defenceman Josh Anderson. “It’s going to be a quiet bus ride home but tomorrow and the next day it’s all about Game 7. We have confidence in our team and having it at home is definitely in our favour.”