PR - Young Guns

Playoff Round #1
Young Guns(7) vs Spirit(2)

TEAM COMPARISON
PP% PK% PIM/G GF/G GA/G SF/G SA/G
Spirit 16.5(7th) 86.4(4th) 15.7(10th) 3.55(2nd) 3.07(8th) 27.5(10th) 27.3(14th)

Young 11.5(24th) 79.1(24th) 19.2(18th) 3.30(7th) 3.51(23rd) 27.9(7th) 28.3(21st)

Guns

On paper this series appears to be quite the mismatch. Ranked in the top half of nearly ever major statistical category, the Spirit seem poised to roll the competition in the opening round of the TFHL playoffs... but don't tell that to the Young Guns. With leading scorer Nikolai Zherdev returning from injury and stud rear-guard Ivan Koltsov back from suspension, the Young Guns are getting a big lift going into the series."With some of our key guys out during the stretch, we struggled but we're in," said GM Jeremy Kirk, "getting these guys back will help to get us back to the level we were at during that winning streak." With Zherdev out recently acquired LW Ryan Smyth has chipped in lately and is currently on a 4 game goal scoring streak. Smyth has fit in well with this lineup and is enjoying his expanded role on the Young Guns. "It's nice to get a fresh start and playing with some many young guys, it takes me back to my early days."

With what should be an offensive showdown, goaltending could turn out to be the key in this series. Immediatley upon acquiring Theodore, the Young Guns leaned on their net minder all the way into the playoffs, and with that goal achieved, the team will once again rely on Theodore to get the job done. "Jose has given has everything we asked of him and more," said coach Bobby Hull at a press conference Wednesday. "We knew exactly what we were getting we we traded for him... this is only the beginning."

KEYS TO VICTORY

1. Solve Spirit PK
In order to reach round 2, the Ottawa Young Guns will need to solve their PP woes and start converting with a man up. In the playoffs you need to capitalize on every opportunity.

2. Penalty Trouble = Playoff Exit
With one of the leagues' most potent Power Plays, the Ottawa Young Guns will really need to clamp down defensively with a man short, perhaps not taking penalties in general would be the best solution.

3. Get to Patrick Lalime early and often
Patrick Lalime in the playoffs... need I say more