After splitting Games 1 and 2 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals, the Owen Sound Attack have claimed home ice advantage over the Guelph Storm.
The first round series will resume play on Tuesday, Mar. 31 at 7:00 pm at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre, and the Attack will look to put the Storm in a precarious position.
Despite a heartbreaking 5-4 overtime loss in Game 2, Owen Sound owns the luxury of having won the series opener with three of the remaining five possible contests to be played on the shores of Georgian Bay. Daniel Milne was Owen Sound's offensive catalyst in Game 2, scoring once and adding three assists to give him five points in the first two games of the series. Erik Bradford and Kyle Platzer also had multi-point games, giving both players four points in the playoffs so far.
Guelph's Tyler Bertuzzi was held scoreless in Game 1, but the future teammate of fellow Detroit Red Wings prospect Zach Nastasiuk responded in a big way in Game 2. A hat trick for Bertuzzi was a big reason the Storm were able to even the series, while World Junior Champion Robby Fabbri also found the scoresheet with a pair of assists.
Owen Sound will carry the momentum of having scored 10 times over two games against Guelph back home, while netminder Jack Flinn has been solid in net through both contests so far.
Tuesday night's game is scheduled for 7:00 pm puck drop and can be watched live on Rogers Sports+ Channel 368/369. A game replay will be available on Rogers Local 53 at 11:00 pm as Bingo will be aired on local channel 53 during regular game hours.
Tickets are available for purchase at the DJ's Furniture Attack Box Office, online at www.attackhockey.com or by calling (519) 371-7452. Season Ticket Holders are reminded that they have until 1:00pm the day PRIOR to the scheduled home playoff game to claim their seats. If the seats go unclaimed beyond 1:00pm, they will be released to the general public.
This season of Attack Hockey is brought to you by Caframo.
KEYS TO VICTORY
Owen Sound played a fairly similar game from Game 1 to Game 2 but faltered in one category that propelled them to a series opener victory. After a perfect performance on the penalty kill in Game 1, the Attack were victimized for a pair of special teams goals in Game 2. A tidier penalty kill and more traffic in front of Storm netminder Justin Nichols will help the Attack gain a 2-1 advantage before Game 4.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Daniel Milne, C, Owen Sound Attack
2G, 3A, 2GP
An undrafted NHL free agent is helping his prospects for pro hockey in 2015-2016 with his great play so far in the 2015 OHL Playoffs. But Milne's focus is currently on the Attack's post season and it is showing. He and Erik Bradford have gelled over the 2nd half of the season and Owen Sound is enjoying strong play from their overage line that is rounded out by Holden Cook. That trio has combined for 11 points in the playoffs so far, led by Milne's five.
Tyler Bertuzzi, LW, Guelph Storm
3G, 0A, 2GP
Bertuzzi rebounded from a rough Game 1 to score a hat trick in Game 2 to power the Storm to an OT win. But it wasn't just Bertuzzi's offensive prowess that helped the Storm to victory. He seemed to shadow Zach Nastasiuk every time the pair were on the ice together and Guelph's big power forward led a rebound from the defending OHL Champions.