While easier said than done, the Bulldogs know there is no sense in crying over spilled milk if they have any intention of climbing back into their first ever Fred Page Cup Final. Trailing 2 game to 0, the scene shifts back to Port Alberni starting tonight with Game 3.
Frustrated over faulty video review equipment at the SOEC in Game 2, the Bulldogs thought they tied the game with a little over 6 minutes remaining in regulation time. With no video review available, the call on the ice stood as no-goal and the Vees took the game 4-3. “We have proven our resilience time and time again this season” said Bulldogs president David Michaud. “The players enjoyed a great day yesterday, and Joe and Ryan will have them ready to roll tonight. It’s a huge game for us, and we’re in a situation we were just in against Surrey a couple of weeks ago. I know our fans will be ready, and that’s awfully exciting as well.”
The Bulldogs can take some solace in the fact that they were right there with the Vees in both games, dropping both contests at the SOEC by 4-3 scores. The play of Nicholas Beneteau, the club’s MVP for the 22-23 season has been a huge boost. Beneteau has 3 goals in the series and will look to stay hot here at home tonight.
The Bulldogs are a perfect 7-0 at the Dawg Pound in these playoffs, and will no doubt feed off the electric crowd. Port Alberni has waited over 20 years for this game, and the buzz around town has been nothing short of spectacular.
With a league best power play clicking over 35% in the playoffs, it was the Bulldogs penalty kill that stole the spotlight in Game 2. Not only did the Bulldogs kill off a lengthy 5-on-3 man advantage, they also managed a short handed goal from Brandon Buhr. Keeping the Vees vaunted power play off the board will be key not only in Game 3, but for the balance of the series.
Doors open at 6:00 pm with Dog Mountain Brewing Happy Hour, and puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 pm. For those needing to pick up their tickets for tonights game, the box office opens at 2:00 pm today.
