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May 12, 2005

OHL Finals Pre-Game 4 News And Notes

It will be interesting to see how Ottawa responds tonight. They’ve identified some of the problems/mistakes made in Game 3. And they talked about nerves. They need to tighten up defensively, be vigilant on their man, precise with their passing, and skate 110% every shift. When you play a team like London you can’t let up. Every mistake will almost certainly lead to a goal. Hopefully nerves will work for them tonight, not against them. Last year during Calgary’s great run for the Cup, they interviewed Steve Montador about his pre-game nerves. He said his dad always told him that whenever he was feeling butterflies, to make sure they were flying in formation. Visualize. Use them as extra energy. And let’s hope the 67s get the lead and play from the lead for the entire game. No trap tonight. (Please.)

*A big hello to all the 67s fans in Iran!

From the Ottawa Sun Barre Campbell writes, No time to get nervous. Snippet:

"It was our worst game of the playoffs, for mental errors," overage centre Brad Bonello said upon reflection. "Things happen ... but we just weren't sharp."

[. . .]

We did not play as well defensively as we have lately," said Kilrea. "And we're not the type of team that can afford to have any players at less than their best."

For defensive tips, the 67's need not look far. Skating with them most of the season has been locked-out NHL veteran Dan McGillis. Yesterday, the big blueliner Killer's boys call "Gilly" was spotted chatting with Bonello outside the dressing room and then later doing a little instructing on the ice.

"He said the same thing ... that he didn't think we played too good, and he suggested some modifications we can use on how to break out of the trap," said Bonello. "He had some ideas for us on how not to get caught up in too many odd-man rushes.

"He said the Knights played a similar style as they do in the NHL, that their coach (Dale Hunter) is familiar with.

"It's playoff hockey, and they try to trap you until you break down then they capitalize on it."

And Campbell writes that it is unlikely McGinn will be back. Killer has said that if he is not 100% he won’t play. They want him in his best condition for the Memorial Cup.

From the London Free Press Jim Cressman writes, Knights setting trap for opponents. Cressman also writes about London facing Crosby’s Oceanic, Knights play dream opener. And an article on Syvret’s friendship with Crosby, formed during the World Juniors, Cup comes between friends.

From the Ottawa Sun Chris Stevenson writes, 67's top choice would love it here. Welcome to Ottawa to the Couture family! We’d love to have Logan play here. I hope that they’re excited about what they see and agree to report. And Goalgetter writes on NOOF that the family will be available for the media tonight.

From the London Free Press Morris Dalla Costa writes, No day off for OHL media. Snippet:

Ah, so you thought the Knights had that goaltending thing figured out. One suspects they thought so too when they made Adam Dennis No. 1 in the Kitchener Rangers series. Alas, the last two games have been less than awe-inspiring. After giving up three goals Tuesday, he was yanked in favour of Gerald Coleman. Coleman gave up one goal but appeared steadier than Dennis

Go 67s Go!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi,
I have 4 tickets available for tonight's game (Game 4). I'm selling them for face value because I'm not able to make it. I can e-mail the tickets to any buyer. Please e-mail me at erinmarcy@gmail.com if you're interested. Thanks.

Sid said...

I was going to suggest you post this on the 67s board, but I see that you have.