Generals Downed By Thunder In Game 1

The Generals opened up the second round of the playoffs against the divisional rival Airdrie Thunder on Wednesday night. The Thunder finished the season tops in the Central Division, six points ahead of the Generals. And if game one is any indication, this series will be an exciting one.
 
The first period opened with what seems to be a recurring theme in the Generals games lately, a goal in the first minute. This time however, it was Airdrie that got out to the early lead on a scrambly shift that left a Thunder player wide open in front to shovel the puck past Generals goalie Tyler Fyten who had no chance on the play. The Generals then got on their heels, forgetting that this is just the first period of a seven game series. Some missed assignments in the defensive zone allowed Airdrie to get some solid chances. The Generals held off the barrage and it looked as though they would go into the dressing room after 20 minutes down one, until another guy was left wide open in front to slide the puck past Fyten with only 7 seconds remaining in the period. After 20 minutes the Generals were outshot 14-8 and down by a score of 2-0.
 
The second period saw the Generals settle down and begin to do the things that have made them successful in the second half of the season. They were forechecking hard, and finishing their checks and now it was the Airdrie squad that got back on its heels. The hard work finally paid off when Mike Matlo fired home a rebound for his third of the playoffs. Assists going to Sean Erwin and Taylor Irvin. The Generals kept up the pressure and at the 7 minute mark, a Matlo centering attempt bounced in off an Airdrie skate, notching the game at 2. Assists on the goal went to Irvin and veteran Kyle Tucker. Shortly after, Taylor Irvin netted his 3rd of the playoffs, giving the Gens their first lead of the game. But once again the Generals defensive play had a lapse late in the period, allowing the Thunder to pull ahead pull even with 1:30 to play in the second. After 40 minutes the game was all tied up at 3`s, and the Gens outshot the Thunder 10-6.
 
The third period the Generals came out flying throwing all kinds of rubber at the Airdrie netminder. The equalizer finally came 7 minutes into the third on a powerplay goal by Darren Schmautz. A slick move out of the corner left Scmautz all alone in front and where he made no mistake sliding it home to regain the one goal lead. The Gens and Thunder then traded goals midway through the third period to bring the score to 5-4 for the hometown Generals. A late penalty by the Generals and the Thunder goalie pulled set the stage for a wild last minute. With only 2.7 seconds showing on the clock, a scramble in front of the net allowed the Thunder to shovel home the tying goal. Despite keeping the Thunder to only 5 shots on goal in the period and firing 15 at the Airdrie tender, this game would need O.T. to be decided.
 
The play during the first overtime period was at a torrid pace. There were several huge hits by both team, breakaways, 2 on 0`s, a couple shots ringing off posts, it had it all. But after a 10 minute period the game remained tied. The teams went to the dressing rooms while the ice was flooded and came out for another 20 minutes sudden death period. Just like the previous frame the action was intense. The Generals had numerous scoring opportunities, but couldn’t capitalize, and when you allow the first place team to hang around it usually comes back to bite you. The Thunder netted a heart breaker at the 11 minute mark of double overtime to take Game 1 of the best of seven series. Shots in overtime were 16-9 for the Generals.
 
Despite playing a solid team game, the Generals came up a bit short Wednesday night, but got a good feel of what type of effort it will take if they look to go the distance this playoff season. Final shots: 49-34 in favour of the Generals. They also went 3/9 on the powerplay while killing 5/6 penalties. 

Generals Player of the Game: Kurt Briggs