The Windsor Jr Spits host the Lasalle1 Sabres in the semi
final of the OMHA West Playdowns. These teams have met 5 times in the past:
Windsor 1 LaSalle1 2 OT
Windsor 5 LaSalle1 2
Windsor 3 LaSalle1 1
Windsor 3 LaSalle1 1
Windsor 4 LaSalle1 1
In total Windsor is ahead 4-1-0 16-7 (3.2-1.4)
These are usually very competitive games with LaSalle having
size and consistency along with solid goaltending. Windsor can compete in the
size department with most of their defense. Windsor has a size disadvantage on the
forward lines but perhaps a slight speed advantage.
Both teams continue to improve and are able to put the puck into the net. We have noticed that these playdown games are more intense, faster games. Mistakes are costly and things can turn around in a hurry.
Regular Season
Windsor 24 23-1-0 208-31 (1st-1st) (8.67-1.29)
LaSalle1 24 12-4-8 103-56 (4th-4th) (4.29-2.33)
Last 10 Regular Season Games
Windsor 10 9-1-0 60-14
LaSalle1 10 6-1-3 40-16
Playdowns
Windsor 4 3-1-0 16-7 (4.0–1.75)
LaSalle1 8 6-2-0 40-24 (5.0-3.0)
What to expect???
One thing is for sure – they will both be coming out banging. Windsor has the scoring advantage during the regular season but that did not help LaSalle2 who shared the same advantage against the LaSalle1 team in the previous playdown session as LaSalle 1 had lit up the scoreboard. Windsor’s big defensemen are going to be counted on to halt the rush of LaSalle1’s power forwards , which was a benefit LaSalle2 did not have against the Sabres1 team.
On offense both team can score. Windsor has grinders and skill players that could make the difference, but then again we are in the playdowns and the big men may be the dominant force.
Game 1
In the dressing room our boys were at it “business as usual”. Only this time Thomas decides to take a shower with his water bottle – the guys loved it.
In the stands the Windsor parents were antsy and eager for puck drop. Just before the pucks release the powerful voice of Johnny B belts out “ LETS GO WINDSOR!!!” Whooooo is the rest of the Windsor parent’s response.
Period 1
The puck drops and LaSalle1 take the puck into the Windsor zone. They are pressuring our boys but we come out of it ok. Suddenly a pass in front and Windsor has their first shot on goal. LaSalle pressures and when they do they look strong. Windsor is able to counter punch with some breaks to the net. There are a couple of penalties called against Windsor that may set the tone for the game. Windsor escapes without harm. As the period ends there is no score but LaSalle looks strong!!
Period 2
The game play continues and Windsor has a few chances but LaSalle1 are working hard. They just seem stronger at muscling their way in. Windsor is called for another penalty and LaSalle1 has the PP. We kill it off and while at even strength LaSalle has a chance but Bilal comes up with the save. Another chance another save but the rebound cannot be contained and LaSalle goes up 1-0.
Windsor fires back on even strength but the LaSalle1 goalie is up for the task. Now Windsor is on the power play and get off 3 good chances but the LaSalle keeper is frustrating our Windsor players. A Windsor sharp shooter has a couple chances but settles for shots from way back that are easily managed by the LaSalle1 netminder. Windsor is called for another penalty and LaSalle1 have another man advantage. This time they make good as our goalie comes up huge with a save but the rebound goes top shelf!! We are down 2-0 and LaSalle looks so strong. With our penalty trouble it seems we will not be able to mount a comeback. Then it happens – Windsor shows it’s heart and battles in front of the net. There is a scramble and the puck comes back to the slot where a fiery Broadie Renaud is ready to release some of his frustration with a wicked right side top corner – the goalie didn’t have a chance. It is now 2-1 and Windsor gets the needed help to spike their motivation. As the period ends it is LaSalle1 2 Windsor 1.
Period 3
After an extended 15 minute second period it was going to come down to conditioning and heart. Windsor was down 2-1 but had just gained momentum with the late second period goal. Quickly there is back and forth play – Mosey fires a shot from the blue line that is tipped by a LaSalle1 defender. The puck ever so slowly glides, or should I say crawls by the goalies right pad. IT’S A TIE!!!! We are in this game and are all fired up. Later in the period Miller nets the go ahead as he slips by the defense. 3-2. With 2 minutes left LaSalle1 pulls their goalie. Their BIG MEN are out and Bilal make 2 incredible saves to keep us in. The whistle blows and there is a minute left. LaSalle pressures but the wild eyed Mark Poisson is playing like a boy possessed. He gets the puck and scores with just 1.3 seconds remaining securing the win for the Jr Spits.
What an incredible game. We are going to be in a dog fight for the remainder of the series. For now we tamed the beast but there will be a sequel. Can we repeat our efforts and hold off these hungry hockey players? The Sabres1 team are a fierce bunch. We learned that early on this season. We are prepared!!!
LETS GO WINDSOR
LETS O SPITS
LETS GO
1-2-3 F
Windsor 0-1-3 4
LaSalle1 0-2-0 2