Tonight is game 5 of the OHL Eastern Conference Semi Finals between the Barrie Colts and the North Bay Battalion. North Bay currently leads the 7 game series 3-1
The Colts are coming off a 4-3 loss in North Bay last Thursday which saw the Battalion increase their lead to 3-1. The loss came in a double overtime effort. The Colts trailed 2-0 headed into the third but managed to score 3 goals to push overtime despite being heavily out shot 38-16 through regulation.
Barrie continues to struggle with getting shots on goal. Spending so much time on the penalty kill no doubt contributes to this issue but the major factor has been simple. Not enough shots.
Here is a post we did this week with our thoughts on how the Colts can get back in this series.
Tonight the Colts can make the first huge push at clawing their way back. It really isn't as impossible as it sounds. A win tonight could switch the momentum if we end up going back to North Bay for game 6.
Keys to Success: Home ice advantage. The team needs your support! Here is our crowd support post that may motivate you going to the game. (here). I have been told that the North Bay fan bus was sold out and other fans will be making the drive. They look to cheer and drown us out like they did through games 1 and 2. Let's not let that happen. This is our arena and though we should happily and warmly welcome out of towners, lets not make it OUR arena THEIRS.
Colts also need to stay out of the box. North Bay has had limited success when playing 5 on 5. Special teams have killed us in this series and in taking poor penalties we are helping them. We need to stay out of the box and just get shots towards the net. Sometimes hockey is that simple.
Players to Watch: Joseph Blandisi will be huge tonight. I feel if he is able to play a more disciplined game that it will reflect through the line up. I also expect that Lemieux will have a strong showing as well. Though he has been good since returning, he hasn't made the impact that I think the team hoped for when returning.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 tonight at BMC. Come, make some noise and #GoColtsGo!
We will be sitting in section 113 so come and say hello if you are there!
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