Hounds hike to series lead
They did not show dominance. But there was determination. And after escaping Game 1 of their best of seven, opening round, Ontario Hockey League playoff series with a narrow 4-3 decision over the Guelph Storm, the Soo Greyhounds skated to a more decisive 4-1 verdict over the visitors in Game 2.
The Hounds had more ‘Grade A’ scoring chances in Game 2 than in the series opener. As a matter of fact, three of the Soo’s better scoring opportunities in the first period of Game 2 ended with the Greyhound shooter actually missing the net from in close.
Special teams gave the Hounds a decided edge in the Game 2 triumph as the Red and White connected on a pair of 5-on-3 power play chances and added an exclamation point with a shorthanded marker.
The usual reliables stood out for the Hounds in the two games to begin the Western Conference series — forwards Gavin Hayes, Bryce McConnell-Barker, Jacob Frasca, defenseman Arttu Karki and goalie Charlie Schenkel. Schenkel only faced 37 shots in the two games but stopped 33 of them, many in timely fashion. The veteran goalie stood tall and confident in the net with his parents in attendance from their Ottawa area home.
Unheralded defenseman Caeden Carlisle was also quite noticeable for the Hounds when he was on the ice.
The Hounds played all of Game 2 without overage scoring leader Jack Beck, who suffered a head check injury in Game 1 that resulted in a four game suspension to Guelph forward Max Namestnikov.
Spot on assessment Randy !KK, Kirill Kudryavtsev is one of the best shutdown D-men in the League !Unbelievable one-on-one !