Game Preview: @OHLBarrieColts vs @OHLBulls Game 2. #OHL #Playoffs

Tonight is Game 2 of the Quarter Finals between the Barrie Colts vs Belleville Bulls. The Colts currently have a 1-0 lead in the best of 7 series with a win last Thursday by a score of 3-2.

Despite the Colts having a 3-1 lead headed into the third, the Bulls had a strong showing to make it a 1 goal game. The Bulls out shot the Colts 42-40 in a game that wasn't as penalty heavy as you would think. Though, both teams had 4 man advantages each, there were lots of offsetting minor calls. The Bulls were the only team to cash in on one of their man advantages with the first goal of the night by Jordan Subban and they managed to kill off all 4 Colts power plays. 

Both Ben Harpur and Garrett Hooey had huge games for the Colts each scoring a goal and an assist each. Harbur ended up with the game winning goal and ended the night with a +2 in a strong showing. It is more clear when the Colts made a point of grabbing him at the trade deadline. 

Keys to success: Though they weren't killed by being short handed, the Colts got to try and stay out of the box as much as possible. The majority of the calls made were stick related so it is clear the refs are calling every hook/slash they see. Colts need to keep their legs moving and not let players get behind them. They also need to be very aware anytime Jordan Subban is on the ice. He is so fast and just jumps into the play so if you are not ready, he will get behind you and generate a scoring chance. Very important to get line matches set up and establish a player that will be hard on him all game. 

Players to watch: Subban.. But we just covered that. Hooey is also off to a great start against his old team. Real solid effort and I would expect both him and Ben Harpur to have big games. I think we will also see a big game for captain Joseph Blandisi who ended up with just an assist in game one. We also discussed Harpur being a great pick up at the deadline and we should mention that Stephen Nosad also had a strong game and is showing his true value. He got an assist on the game winning goal. 

Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 tonight at BMC.

#GoColtsGo 

Game 2 - BELV @ BAR, Monday March 30th, 7:30pm

Game 3 - BAR @ BELV, Wednesday April 1st, 7:05pm

Game 4 - BAR @ BELV, Thursday April 2nd, 7:05pm

Game 5 - BELV @ BAR, Saturday April 4th, 7:30pm *

Game 6 - BAR @ BELV, Monday April 6th, 7:05pm *

Game 7 - BELV @ BAR, Tuesday April 7th, 7:30pm *