There'll be at least one winner-take-all battle in the Howe Sound Men's Hockey playoffs this year as the Chiefs staved off elimination with a 3-2 win over the first-place Predators Wednesday night (March 16), tying the series at two games apiece.
The Predators took the advantage in the series last Friday (March 11) with a dramatic 6-5 come-from-behind win. Brent Morrison helped to stake the Chiefs to an early 5-0 lead, only to see all his hard work unravel in the second period when the Predators stormed back. The Chiefs ran into some penalty problems in the second period allowing the Predators the advantage and a final victory of 6-5. The Predators led the series 2-1 for going into the fourth game Wednesday (March 16).
On Saturday (March 12) the Red Wings survived their possible elimination game with a crushing 8-5 victory over the Flyers. The Red Wings came out on fire with 3-0 lead in the first, and the battle was on until midway through the third when the teams were tied 4-4."And then the Red Wings got a weak funny goal, the fifth goal," said Flyers' goalie Steve Hadden. "That just changed the complexion of the game back into the Red Wings' favour."
The Flyers and Red Wings face off again tonight (March 18) with the Flyers leading the series 2-1. If the Wings manage to tie the series, game 5 will be Sunday (March 20) at 10:45 p.m., while game 5 of the Preds/Chief series goes Monday (March 21) at 8 p.m.
Game 1 of the finals is set for Wednesday (March 23) at 8:45 p.m.
