Whalers lead series, 1-0
The Plymouth Whalers (Ontario Hockey League) won their first playoff game Saturday night in overtime against Guelph Storm, 3-2. After being down by a goal for most of the game, the Whalers were able to tie it up with less than 7 minutes left in the third period. Daniel Ryder and Sean O’Connor, both trade deadline acquisitions, scored the two goals in regulation. Evan Brophey scored the game winning goal 2:14 into overtime to give the Whalers a 1-0 series lead over the Storm.
The Whalers have been fortunate to have two excellent goaltenders, but head coach Mike Vellucci decided to go with Michal Neuvirth Saturday night and it paid off. He won his first OHL playoff game even after Guelph outshot Plymouth, 34-26. Neuvirth had led the OHL in GAA and save percentage during the regular season with a 2.32 GAA and .932%. The Whalers other goaltender, Jeremy Smith, was fourth in the league in terms of GAA at 2.59 and second in save percentage at .923%.
The Whalers will play the Storm Sunday at 6:30pm in Guelph. If you want to watch the game, Ginopolis at Compuware Sports Arena will be broadcasting the game (aka WhalersVision). Their next home game will be Tuesday at 7:05pm.
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