Petes sticking to game plan
Niagara IceDogs looking to use speed in hopes of evening up series tonight
More of the same. That’s the message in the Peterborough Petes dressing room as they head into Game 2 of their OHL Eastern Conference quarterfinal against the Niagara IceDogs at 7:05 p.m. Saturday at the Memorial Centre.
The Petes won Game 1 in relatively convincing fashion 5-2 after taking control of a close game in the second period. The Petes put in a relentless and consistent effort that seemed to wear down the younger IceDogs.
“We’re not going to change anything,” said Petes coach Jody Hull. “We’ll review some things and go over some things. I think there are still a couple of areas we can be a little bit better but we have to keep skating and keep doing what we did (Thursday) night.”
“We just kept coming,” said former IceDog Chris Paquette. “That’s our game and we have to keep doing it for the rest of the series.”
After a run to the OHL final with Niagara last year, it was Paquette’s first playoff game against his old team. When asked to compare this year’s Petes’ to last year’s IceDogs, Paquette said they are very different teams.
“Last year it was all talent. We had Josh Ho-Sang, Brendan Perlini, a lot of draftees but this year our whole team is balanced. We all play together. We all do things together. Personally, I think this year is better. Honestly, I think if the Petes right now played the IceDogs of last year, I think we would beat them.”
Niagara’s Justin Brack, who set up the series opening goal and had another disallowed because he gloved it past Dylan Wells, said Game 1 got away from them when they stopped using their speed.
“We just have to move our feet better,” Brack said. “It was the first playoff game for a couple of young guys in our lineup. I thought they played well but we know we have to be better. We will be better.
“We’re a young team and we’re still learning. I think we’ll be all right,” Brack said. “We just have to play our game. When we play our game we’re a good team. We’ve beaten some good teams. We’ve beaten Erie and Windsor and some tough teams so we know we can play with anyone.”
The Petes are definitely the older, more experienced team and Hull felt that was exemplified in the leadership shown by captain Brandon Prophet in Game 1. Usually relied on as a steady defender he chipped in three assists in a first-star effort.
“He’s been our captain, our leader all year and it showed (Thursday),” Hull said.
It was just the second threepoint game of Prophet’s time with the Petes. He had a goal and two assists against Sarnia last year.
“It doesn’t happen often, that’s for sure,” said Prophet, with a smile. “Obviously, I was happy with my game but I was more happy with how the team played.
“I was lucky to be on the receiving end of a few assists but most of all I want to stay a strong defenceman and help the team out in any way possible.”
Prophet’s message is similar to Hull’s for Game 2.
“Just keep the foot on the pedal. We had a good game. A lot of success with what we were doing. Good transition play with good breakouts and getting the puck to the net,” he said. “We just have to continue that.”
NOTES: Great Clips salon will be set up in the top of Section 15 and bottom of Section C2 offering haircuts to fans before and during Saturday’s game in exchange for a donation to Special Olympics Ontario. Special Olympics Ontario will join representatives from Great Clips and Peterborough Police for the ceremonial puck drop.