Game 5 factors
They have momentum. They have restored home ice advantage. They are factors that could favour Soo Greyhounds over Owen Sound Attack as the teams meet tonight in a pivotal Game 5 of their Ontario Hockey League playoff series.
But how long does momentum last? An early goal by Owen Sound could shift momentum to the Attack and cast a hush over what will be a partisan Soo gathering tonight at the Essar Centre.
So much could shift if the visitors score the first goal.
Just as so much could affect a potential series upset by Owen Sound if the favoured Soo squad takes advantage of what it holds tonight.
Could.
Such a meaningful word, in an instance such as this, in which the second round, best-of-seven, Western Conference series is tied at two games apiece.
To be sure, there are other factors to consider besides momentum and home ice advantage. But it’s just that momentum and home ice advantage have a way of being both fickle and fragile.
Of more certainty is that these are two well-coached teams, with Drew Bannister in stoic control of the fast-moving Greyhounds and Todd Gill in charge of an Attack, that when relentless, is hard to overcome.
At any rate, it matters not what is written here.
The game, and eventually the series, as per usual, will be decided by the actors on the frozen stage.