Panthers prepare for sudden-death game in Oceanside Monday

The old adage that there is no tomorrow, will be front and centre on Monday night when the Peninsula Panthers head up Island to face off in Oceanside against the Generals.  The two Clubs play a single elimination game with the puck set to drop at 7:30 pm with all the chips pushed out into the middle of the table.  The winner moves on and will face the Campbell River Storm in the best-of-7 series while the loser's season will come to a crashing end.

"I think the come-from-behind OT win on Friday will be a great spring board for us going into Monday's game," said Head Coach Brad Tippett.  "We stuck with the plan and just kept moving forward.  Our cycling game seemed to wear the Westshore Wolves down just a bit and it created some chances."

Tippett's squad practiced on Saturday night after holding their Awards Dinner and took Sunday off.  The Club will have a 20-minute skate early Monday afternoon before heading up to Oceanside for the game.

"We have become better using our skills together," explained the Coach.  "Our PP has been not only more effective and consistent but is executing at key times.  Having a couple suspensions now over and some of the injuries healed allows us to have set PP units versus trying to see who is healthy or available.  Our PK needs some work especially getting into the shooting and passing lanes.  The injuries and suspensions as of late have actually had multiple benefits.  Players like Carson Cox have seized the opportunity to play more in crucial situations.   He is playing his best hockey of the season and developed into the bigger, faster second line centre we were missing.  Some players got some needed rest.  A number of the affiliated players also got some meaningful experience.  We still have a number of injuries that can be classed as indefinite so some of the Peninsula Midgets may be seeing some playing time.  Many have practiced with us most of the year and now seem like part of our team.  We lost to Oceanside badly at home very early in the season but played well winning the next 2 of 3 - once in their building.  We believe Monday night will be a great game and we are embracing this challenge."

The Panthers will post a note on the website within 30 minutes from the end of the game to let fans know the outcome and what the schedule might look like should they advance against the Campbell River Storm.  Playoff hockey is upon us!