Intensity is rising

BEARCAT BANTER

You can tell playoffs are just around the corner – there seems to be a sense of urgency.

The Bearcats played two games over the weekend, both on the road and both wins. Proper thing at the proper time.

In Yarmouth, Friday, Truro scored a pair in the first period, with no response until the final frame.

The Mariners fired 19 shots Truro’s way in that period but the Bearcat goalie turned aside all but one before an empty-netter silenced the crowd.

Winning in Yarmouth is gratifying but never easy. For sure, it was a great start to weekend action.

BEARCATS RALLY IN AMHERST

In Amherst, Saturday, the Bearcats came back from a two-goal deficit to even things up early in the third period.

Truro scored early in the extra session to claim their third OT winner of the season.

Hockey is best when winning is in doubt, especially for followers.

Both games had the necessary elements of playoff hockey where there is plenty at stake and nothing is left on the ice.

MOVE INTO SECOND PLACE

The wins moved the Bearcats into second spot in the Eastlink South Standings with 50 points followed by Amherst (49), Pictou County (46) and Yarmouth (45). Clearly there’s reason for urgency.

The Bearcats, with ten games remaining, head toward a busy stretch. This Saturday, the Bearcats host the Yarmouth Mariners, their seventh meeting, each with three wins.

Sunday, the team will be in Edmundston for a second meeting with the North’s first place team.

The Blizzard defeated Truro at the RECC back in October.

Monday, the action moves to Grand Falls. The Rapid picked up an OT win over Truro earlier this month.

The Bearcats return to get ready for a Feb. 21 home game against Miramichi. There will be no rest for the weary.

BEARCATS’ PLAYER OF THE WEEK

The Boston Pizza Bearcat Player-of-the-week was goalie Alexis Cournoyer who backstopped the Bearcats to two road wins, stopping 64 of 67 shots directed his way.