KINGS: All tied up, series will go at least six games

that would stand until 8:36 of the third period, when Stratford tied the game.

The first OT settled nothing, but 12:59 into the second extra frame, Stratford managed another 2-1 overtime victory. Shots were 35-33 in Elmira’s favour, though the Warriors had a 17-11 edge in OT. Neither team connected with an extra man, Elmira going 0-7 and Stratford 0-8.

“Credit to their goalie – he’s playing really, really well right now. I thought he was outstanding last night as well,” said Collins on Tuesday. “They found a way to win and that’s the most important thing in the playoffs.”

While running into a hot netminder is something that happens in the playoffs, Collins notes the Kings have shown they know what to do.

“It’s an absolute real thing. By no means am I saying that their goalie is keeping them in this series – that’s a good hockey team over there. We just got to find ways to get pucks by them.”

The series resumed Wednesday night in Elmira, though results weren’t known before press time. Collins said his players were itching to get back to it, knowing that how they played all season applies right now.

“I think as a group, we found a recipe that works for us – just kind of stick to it. It’s just the attention to details, and the focus just needs to be there. The little things go such a long way in the playoffs. So, if you lack a little thing and it costs you one goal against, say, it could be very well the difference,” he said.

“The guys are excited about getting back at it. They want to get back out there and compete. They have a sour taste in their mouth when they left the rink last night (Monday), so hopefully that translates to what’s needed.”