Gee-Gees force deciding game with 5-0 win over Carleton
OTTAWA, Ont. - With their playoff lives on the line, the goals came early and often for the University of Ottawa men's hockey team. A two-goal performance from Cody Drover lead the Gee-Gees to a 5-0 win over the Carleton Ravens and forced a series-deciding game three on February 18 at Carleton.
Following the game, head coach Patrick Grandmaître said the team played the game, "the right way."
"I was happy our power play chipped in today, but we were able to maintain possession and our important players had some goals. Defensively, we were tight and disciplined — we're playing playoff hockey."
"I thought game one we played 75-80-percent of our game, whereas today we were firing on all cylinders."
Both sides played cautiously in the early minutes of the game, looking for an offensive opportunity, but not wanting to give up defensive structure in the process.
Not long after Ottawa's first power play opportunity of the night, Quinn O'Brien came streaking down the wing and sent a shot on goal that nipped goaltender François Brassard's glove and fluttered into the net.
In the second period, Ottawa finally converted on the power play after the first seven chances of the series were unsuccessful. Cody Drover deflected a Médric Mercier point shot to double up the lead for the Garnet and Grey.
Kevin Domingue scored his first of the playoffs with a quick shot in tight, while a highlight reel goal from Drover (click to watch on Twitter) with 15 seconds remaining in the frame sent the Gee-Gees to the locker room with a four-goal lead heading into the third period.
A pair of penalties sent the three-man penalty killing unit to the ice early in the third period. Anthony Brodeur stood tall in goal as the team successfully fended off the pressure of the Carleton power play.
Midway through the frame, Jonathan Bourcier raced in unhindered, and scored to extend the lead to five goals.
Now the teams will meet for a winner-take-all game three at the Carleton Ice House.
Just like one year ago, the Gee-Gees lost game one in an overtime heartbreaker before tying the series at home. Grandmaître says this year, not a whole lot is different.
"I think it's very exciting to win a big game at home. It's really important for us to recharge mentally and focus, whether it's game one or game seven. It's important we're not too confident coming into game three," Grandmaître said.
Source: Ottawa Gee-Gees