Flyers_09-08

Jeff Green | Feb 26, 2009

Frontenac Flyers in game 2 play off action against Amherstview

The stands at the North Frontenac Arena brimmed with Flyers fans as the Flyers took on the Amherstview Jets in their second game of semi-final playoff action.

Before Sunday's game, coach Rob Lalonde said he was pleased with the team’s performance during Saturday’s first playoff game, even though it was a 4-2 loss.

“It was a good game. We played well in the first and second period. Our worst period was the third. Going into the third tied 2-2 we had them right where we wanted them. We just need to start putting the puck in the net.”

On Sunday the Flyers had trouble converting power play opportunities, which ended up hurting them.

The Jets scored early in the first period, out-shooting the Flyers from the start and keeping most of the action in the Flyers end.

The Flyers came up empty on 3 early power plays in the first period.

Down by two goals in the second the Flyers continued to have power play troubles, not scoring a single goal in four 5 on 3 power play opportunities, which added to the team’s frustration. Increasingly the players seemed hesitant to shoot and had difficulty setting up the puck in front of the net, taking shots from wide and difficult angles.

The Jets increased their opponents' frustration and chances for a win with 2 more goals in the third, clinching the game.

The game ended as a 4-0 shutout.

Credit goes to Flyers goalie Jacob Hartman (#29) who blocked 42 shots and played well throughout despite the team’s difficulties.

After the game, Flyers defenseman Mykel Steeves (#11) put the team’s performance in perspective.

“It’s the first time in 3 years that a lot of us have been in the playoffs and were up against a team that’s been top of the league for a while. It’s pretty tough and we’re trying to come out hitting and doing what we do best. Hopefully we just keep pushing. We had them yesterday and there were a couple of unlucky balances today but we’ll get it back.”

Coach Rob Lalonde said “Today’s game was lost in the second period when we had all those power plays and couldn’t score. We’ve got to stay positive and keep believing that we can win."

With that in mind, Lalonde has definite plans for the team at their next practice on Tuesday.

“We go back to the drawing board; we work on the power play and we keep playing our disciplined style of game and this time, when we get opportunities, we start cashing in and scoring goals. It’s easy to play and teach defense and shut a team down but goal scoring is difficult to teach. Tuesday’s practice will be devoted entirely to working the power play.”

Game three of the series is slated for tonight (February 26) in Amherstview. Game 4 will be at the Frontenac Arena in Piccadilly on Saturday night.

Game 5, (if necessary) will be on Sunday, March 1st in Amherstview, game 6 (if necessary) back at Picadilly on Tuesday, March 3, and game 7 if necessary, will take palce next Thursday night, March 5 at Amherstview. All start times are 7:30 pm

The winner of the Jets/Flyers series' wilI have the dubious honour of facing the Napanee Raiders in the final. The Raiders shellacked the Picton Pirates 9-1 on Monday night, sweeping their series 4-0.