Patrick Williamstheahl.com writer
In the Western Conference Finals, strange enemies have quickly recognized them.
The first game was the first meeting between Abbotsford Canucks and the Texas star. They scored 84 goals in the goal, including 15 games. Each team removed the deficit during regulation, Christian VoranenThe overtime goal scored 5:51 to win the host Canaks 3-2.
For two teams that had to stuff each other into the series, both of them emerged from Thursday’s opener and seemed to be familiar with each other. It's also obvious that this could be a long-term series between two evenly matched clubs.
Earlier this week, Texas head coach before the stars set out on the road Neil Graham He has said that he expects both teams to spend very little time trying to relax their way into the series.
“There is no time for this time of year to slowly get into things or feel it,” Graham said at that time. “We have to start on time. We have to be ready to go. I hope our opponents are ready to go.”
Graham's assessment was soon achieved.
“You know, it's a good match with a fast pace.” Antonio strangetied for the first game 2-2 with 7:50 left in the second stage. “They are physical, they're quick. We learned how they burst out, little things like this, just making game adjustments, and they're a really good hockey team.”
Both teams are in the final game away from the game, both must win 5 games on the way forward. Texas eliminated Milwaukee on Sunday night, flew home on Monday and headed to British Columbia on Wednesday. Abbotsford eliminated Colorado before returning home Monday afternoon. It's all about a quick turnaround on Thursday night.
The Garners know the importance of getting a game, if not two, can open the series, especially in three games on the Texas ice.
“It’s exciting for a new team,” said Abbotsford rookie forward. Ty Muellerits second week goal gave the Canaks a 2-1 lead. “You don't know what's going to happen. It's a good team. We have to dial and keep pushing.”
The stakes are high, heading to the Calder Cup final so close. Abbotsford head coach Manny Malhotra Admitting Texas has frustrated his players a little before it can adjust.
“We have to give them credibility,” Malhotra said. “They are a very skilled team. They are perfectly in line with publicity. They have a high pace. They come to us and put us under coercion.”
Two months after the injury quit him from the Texas squad, Stranges' goal was in his fourth game. His last score on March 2 was a tough drought after he scored 16 goals in the All-Star Game. Let the strange back to the already dangerous Texas offense have another asset, which they need to be with Abbotsford. Artūrsšilovshe was outstanding again in Game 1.
“It's going to be a very good series,” Stranges said.
During the fifty years in the American Hockey League, Theahl.com writer Patrick Williams currently covers the NHL.com and Flosports leagues and is a regular contributor to Siriusxm NHL New Network Radio. He won the AHL’s James H. Ellery Memorial Award for his outstanding league coverage in 2016.
