The Alberni Valley Bulldogs host the Surrey Eagles in Game 6 of the Coastal Conference Finals presented by Pacific Chevrolet. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 pm.
Let’s get the ticket formalities out of the way. With the turn around timing behind limited between Game 5 & 6, the Box Office was BUSY yesterday as 1200 tickets flew out the door. The Box Office opens this morning at 10 am, or you can skip the trip and buy online by CLICKING HERE. Doors open at 6pm.
The Bulldogs forced Game 6 on Saturday night in Surrey with a gutsy 3-2 OT win. The Bulldogs faced some adversity and powered through to extend the series. Returning home, the players will look to the fans to provide that little extra boost to try and force a Game 7 tomorrow night in Surrey.
The series has been tight with 3 games going to OT. The Eagles have outscored the Bulldogs 14-11 in the 5 games.
Goaltending has been great at both ends, but particularly the Bulldogs Callum Tung who as been the busier of the goaltenders in the series. In particular, Tung has been at his absolute best when the Bulldogs have faced elimination in these playoffs. He’s a perfect 3-0 and has stopped 118 of 122 shots faced. That’s a .967 save % when the stakes are at their highest for the Bulldogs. Jaiden Sharma lit the world on fire with his play in support of Ajeet Gundarah, but since Gundarah went down with an injury, the Bulldogs have done their best to plant a seed of doubt in Sharma’s mind as he’s posted a save % of just .886 in the last two starts, well below his .944 save % throughout the playoffs.
Secondary scoring always becomes so crucial, especially in a series as tight as this one. On Saturday it was Brady McIsaac breaking through with 2 goals including the OT winner. It’s always interesting to see who can step up from the supporting cast and play hero.
Don’t look now, but Caden Cranston is starting to heat up for the Eagles. The leagues MVP who piled up the points in the regular season was largely held in check by the Victoria Grizzlies in the 2nd Round. It wasn’t until Game 6 of that series that Cranston hit the scoresheet, and after being held in check by the Bulldogs in Games 1 & 3, he’s managed to produce 4 goals and 1 assist in the other 3 games. The diminutive forward has 6 goals and 8 assists for 14 points in 16 games.
The Bulldogs power play was a major factor in Game 5 and the Bulldogs will no doubt look to keep it red hot. After going 2 for 3 in Surrey, the Bulldogs power play is up to 31% in the series. The Eagles were held in check going 0 for 4 in Game 5.
It should be a rocking Multiplex tonight, get your tickets early and remember to wear RED, and be loud.
