Scotians, ’Dogs resume series today
Their playoff series tied 1-1, the Pictou County Scotians and Antigonish Bulldogs will get back at it Friday night at Antigonish Arena.
The Bulldogs avoided going down 2-0 in the best-of-seven Nova Scotia Junior Hockey League matchup with a double OT victory last Sunday in Trenton; the Scotians will be looking to take back home ice advantage with another playoff road win. They won the seriesopener 4-1 on Feb. 17.
“If we can steal another win on the road and have the momentum coming back home Sunday, it would be huge,” said forward Blair Dewtie. “Game 3 is crucial.” Friday’s game has a 7:30 p.m. start time.
Looking back on Game 2, Dewtie called it a learning experience.
“Everyone was pretty disappointed with the outcome of the game and how it ended, but we all knew that’s hockey and it could’ve went either way.
“Everyone will be well-prepared and ready to go to battle Friday night.”
The Scotians have been getting early production from a mix of veterans of youth: Riley Cameron has two goals in two playoff games, as does Jacob Pentz, who has carried his regular season offensive consistency into the post-season.
Once again, the Scotians will be without defenceman Austin Donlevy and forward Will Kelly in Game 3 due to prior commitments. They are expected to return Sunday.
“They’re a big team, they come at you,” coach Al Whidden said of Antigonish. “We try to use quick puck movement. If you don’t have to take those hits, why take them?”
The Bulldogs plan against the quick, skillful Scotians isn’t a great mystery, an approach that has been used since the game of hockey was invented: use their size to wear down their opponent.
“Both teams are playing to their strengths, which for them is size and physicality and us speed and skill,” Dewtie said.
The Bulldogs, said Scotians’ captain Brendon Duff, “do come ready to play, both games have been fast-paced. The series hasn’t got greasy yet, I think our best bet is to try our best to stay out of the penalty box.”
Sunday’s game will start at 7 p.m.