Lambton Minor Atoms have started there playoffs against the Chatham/Kent Cyclones in a 6 point series. They have played 2 games thus far, winning the first 5-2 and were edged out 1-0 in the second game.
The first game was played at home for the Sting which seemed to help get the boys pumped up for the game. They were able to score a goal quite early in the 1st period, it was Dante Fuoco burying a feed from Cameron Rombouts, to go ahead 1-0. Throughout the period the Sting pressed the Cyclones and were able to generate many scoring chances. One of which was a nice individual effort by Nolan Farr, who broke in on the left wing cutting into the net slipping a backhander under the sprawling goalie.
The Sting carried a 2-0 lead into the 2nd period, but Chatham scored early with a powerplay goal to cut the lead in half. However, the Sting responded to this goal with 2 more of their own, only 7 seconds apart. First, it was Cameron Rombouts, who tipped in a shot from Brett Allardyce. Next it was Carson Payne who was able to beat the Cyclone goalie with a nice quick shot.
In the third period, the boys continued to get shots on net and did a great job crashing the net looking for rebounds. Defensively, the team was able to limit the shots to the outside and did a great job clearing loose pucks in front of the crease. When called upon Cole Doig stood tall as the last line of defense. The Sting capped off their scoring with Theo Crombeen dishing off to Cameron Adam who skated from behind the net, taking backhander which created a nice rebound for Josh Vale to bang home.
The final score was 5-2 Sting.
The second game was played in Chatham, and started out much like the first with the Sting generating most of the scoring chances. The Sting however, could not seem to get any shots by the Chatham goalie. Perhaps a bit of bad luck and perhaps a little too much individual play was the reason. Definitely, we did not see the same kind of passing and team work that was evident in the first game. Jakob Knowles played well between the pipes but unfortunately got no help o the scoreboard. Chatham scored the only goal of the game to squeak out a 1-0 win.
The Sting play this Thursday night again...I am sure they will come out fired up ready to take the lead in the series.