Hounds fend off Attack
There are a few happenings that stand out from Games 1 and 2 of the Ontario Hockey League Western Conference playoff series between Soo Greyhounds and Owen Sound Attack.
The Greyhounds have out-shot, out-chanced and out-scored the Attack en route to back-to-back 4-1 victories to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven second-round set. And while the puck has certainly not bounced Owen Sound’s way, the Soo has clearly been the better team.
In fact, if not for Owen Sound goalie Michael McNiven, the margin of victory could have been even larger for the Soo in Games 1 and 2.
That aside, and with a little help from the goal-posts, goalie Joseph Raayamkers turned in his fifth straight quality start heading back to the final three games of the opening-round series with the Flint Firebirds and rookie forward Barrett Hayton clicked a pair of power play goals as the Greyhounds won Friday’s game before close to 4,300 fans at the Essar Centre.
Game 3 in the series is slated for Sunday night in Owen Sound.
Bobby MacIntyre and Tim Gettinger (with an empty-netter) also scored for the Soo while Petrus Palmu replied for Owen Sound.
Spot on with your assessment! Tenacity in hunting down pucks and a frenzied forecheck has given the Hounds lots of O zone time as they have had numerous Grade A chances at the Owen Sound net. On the other hand, a swarming defensive scheme has kept the Attack from any real prolonged time in the Hound’s zone
The penalty killing has been instrumental in the Hound’s lead so far and has even contributed to several offensive chances. Two PP goals by rookie Barrett Hayden in a big game situation augers well for the future as well.
Always remember, when the pucks are hitting the posts, the goalie must be doing a good job of covering net! When players would trash talk me during games after hitting the post and say they beat me, I’d say, “I just have to cover the area inside the posts, hit them all you want on the outside!”
Great line, Mark Locken, love it.
Wow, didn’t see this coming. Intensity, speed and timely saves by Raaymakers. Glad to see those empty seats from Game One were occupied, was starting to wonder about the fan support. Too expensive? Too lazy to shut off the TV and get to the rink? Gimme a break.
Hoping for a fast start to Game 3.