Generals Come From Behind To Win Game 5!!! Move On To Next Series

After tying the series with a gutsy effort in game 4 the Generals returned home on Tuesday night to play the fifth and deciding game . The rink was buzzing with excitement as the two teams hit the ice. Everyone was expecting another close physical battle as this series has been a war from the very start. The Generals welcomed two key players back in the lineup for this do or die game. Jesse Adshead and Maddison Smiley returned for their first playoff games and their presence gave the Gens some added confidence. Cochrane was looking for a quick start to get their hometown fans energized right away. The team came out hitting and then drew first blood early in the period. Captain Danny McSween beat a Colts defender and wheeled towards the net, McSween fired a shot that beat the Mountainview goalie to the shortside and gave his team a much needed early lead. The Generals kept the pressure on for the rest of the period but the Colts held the fort and the score ended 1-0 after the opening 20 minutes.

The Gens were pleased with their start in the first but knew the Colts were going to come out hard in the second. Cochrane hemmed their opposition in their own zone to start the second frame but the team couldnt capitalize on their chances to score. The Colts hung on until they were rewarded with a powerplay and with one shot the game was tied and the Colts grabbed the momentum. Mountainview was waiting to jump on any mistake the Gens made to grab the lead. Their patience paid off when there was a miscommunication on a clearing attempt, the Colts player hopped on a loose puck and slid it in the net. Cochrane tried to answer back but it was the Colts who capitalized on another miscue by poking home another greasy goal to increase their lead to 3-1. The Gens went into their dressing room with only 20 minutes to save their season. It was crunch time.

The highest scoring team in the regular season regrouped in the intermission and came out for the last period focused and determined to get back in the game. Cochrane started the third with a powerplay and they knew that this was their opportunity. The Generals send their big guns on the ice and Jonny Pictin sparked the crowd and his teammates when he snapped a lazer past the goalie to cut the lead in half. The Generals poured the pressure on as they looked for the equalizer. Cochrane used their speed to create chances and eventually they drew another PP. Again the coaches send out their offensive weapons and the team would not be denied. Shot after shot was fired on goal and eventually a loose puck squirted out during a mad scramble. The puck settled on Pictin's stick and he sent another lazer into the net. The game was tied and the rink was rockin'! All the momentum was with the Gens and Wes Kashuba made sure it stayed there when he dropped his mitts with public enemy #1 from Mountainview. Kashuba landed some big punches and easily took the decision. With the Colts on their heels, the Generals smelled blood and kept the charge going. With 6minutes remaining the hockey gods rewarded the Gens determination and a bouncing puck went in off of a Colts player to give the Generals the lead! The Colts refused to pack it in though and they started to push for the tie. Goaltender Kenny Quinn stepped up his game and absolutly stoned the Colts shooters. After 4 or 5 huge saves the Colts only chance was to pull their goalie but the Generals blocked shots and battled hard until Pictin finished his hat trick and put the puck into the empty net. Final score Generals 5 Colts 3.

The Generals never say die attitude was apparent in this series as they cameback from 2 goal deficits in back to back elimination games. The Colts played an unbelievable series, they never quit and worked as hard as you will ever see a team work. Their goaltending nearly stole the series and they deserve alot of credit for pushing the Generals to the brink. The Generals playoff journey contiunes the very next night as they welcome the Three Hills Thrashers for game 1 of the Central Divison Finals. Game time is 730 at the totem arena. These two teams were very closely matched and it promises to be a fast paced 7 game series. Come out and jump on the Generals Playoff Train!!