Goalies, power play key to Game 3 for Thunder
GLENS FALLS, N.Y. » Coach Brad Tapper said the Thunder’s series against Manchester would be decided by goaltending and special teams play.
Adirondack excelled in both areas Saturday as netminder Drew Fielding stopped 33 of 34 shots and the Thunder recorded two power-play goals in a 5-1 win over the Monarchs.
The question now is whether Adirondack can pull off a repeat performance Tuesday in Game 3 when the best-of-seven series continues in Glens Falls.
The teams are tied with one win each, so it’s a crucial showdown that could prove pivotal in deciding who advances to the ECHL’s Eastern Conference finals.
Game 4 is Thursday in Glens Falls. The series then shifts to Manchester for Games 5 and 6, if needed.
The Thunder chased Monarchs netminder Charles Williams from Saturday’s game with 5:40 left in the second period after he allowed five unanswered goals. His replacement, Evan Cowley, wasn’t scored on, so it will be interesting to see which player Coach Rich Seeley goes with.
Prior to Saturday, Williams had a miniscule goals-against average as Manchester swept Reading in four games and beat Adirondack, 5-3, in Game 1 of their Round 2 se-
ries. Despite that loss, the Thunder have found the net eight times against the Monarchs so far.
Brian Ward and rookie Ryan Schmelzer are leading Adirondack in the postseason with four goals apiece, while James Henry has a team-high seven assists. Defensemen Colton White and Dylan Olsen are making big contributions, also, with five helpers each.
The Thunder have five power-play goals to their credit in the series, and are 8-for 39 (20.3 pct.) since the playoffs began. Their penalty killing has stopped 28 of opponents’ 33 opportunities (84.8 pct.).