2018 WCHA Quarterfinals vs. Ferris (3/2-3/4)

[mbenecke]

It's playoff time, folks.

The Falcons will host the Bulldogs of Ferris State in a best-of-three series, and the series schedule is as follows:

Friday, March 2 - vs. FSU 8:07pm
Saturday, March 3 - vs. FSU 7:07pm
Sunday, March 4 - vs. FSU 7:07pm **

Earlier this year, we played Ferris twice, with both games coming at their rink, and we came away victorious from both bouts, 6-3 and 3-0.

FSU's overall record coming in is 14-21-1, and they enter this game one a 2-game winning streak, as they swept LSSU to claim the 6-seed this past weekend. They are 4-7-0 in their last 11 games, however, so they aren't particularly hot coming into this one.

Goaltender matchup (using in-conference stats):

GAA
BGSU - Ryan Bednard - 1.99 (2nd, WCHA)
BGSU - Eric Dop - 2.59 (5th, WCHA)
FSU - Justin Kapelmaster - 2.89 (7th, WCHA)
FSU - Darren Smith - 2.98 (9th, WCHA)

Save Percentage
BGSU - Ryan Bednard - .920 (1st, WCHA)
BGSU - Eric Dop - .897 (11th, WCHA)
FSU - Justin Kapelmaster -.914 (5th, WCHA)
FSU - Darren Smith - .909 (T-6th, WCHA)

Ferris State has won just once in our building since the 2012-2013 season, so the hope is that our home ice advantage can greatly influence the outcome of the games this weekend. Last year's playoff games were abysmal attendance-wise (Game 1 had 1697, Game 2 had 2055), so I hope we can fill the stands and really support this team this year.

Prediction:
I don't think it will be easy, but I do think that we will sweep. I think we will see a grittier, more focused and hungry BG team than we have seen since last year in the playoffs.

BG wins 5-2, 3-2.

Go Falcons!

[gmartin]

True, FSU has lost 7 of its last 11 games, however only had 1 bad loss in that stretch, against Minnesota State. In 5 of those 7 losses it was a 1 goal game in the 3rd period. A different bounce and they could been 7-4.

I believe BG will also sweep. 4-1, 6-1

[mbenecke]

Hockey alumnus Dan Bylsma is donating student tickets for this weekend, so all students can attend for free. Very generous of him. Gotta love the way this program has many that are always giving back.

[pdt1081]

End of 1, BG leads 1-0. Shots are 21-11, BG.

[pdt1081]

End of 2, tied at 1. Shots are 45-18, BG.

[AZIce]

Darren Smith playing absolutely out-of-his-mind in this one.

Score is about 5 or 6-1 without his standing on his head....Bednard with the softy on the PK too.....that's hockey.

Gotta hope we can get a few past him somehow.

[Class of 61]

Sounds like either off. Dominance, or a lot of inaccurate shooting. Hope they can pull it out. Goalie should be exhausted by now, but running into a hot goalie can spell disaster at playoff time.

[AZIce]

Nope..quality shots. He has made a number of crazy, sliding, stacked pads saves. He's just in a zone right now and has gotten a couple of nice posts to help him too.

[pdt1081]

End of 3, tied at 1. Shots are 54-28.

If only they'd actually call the penalties as they happen..... On the correct player.

[pdt1081]

Kruse with the winner!

[Class of 61]

Assuming a BGSU win? ( not familiar with this name)

[pdt1081]

Assuming a BGSU win? ( not familiar with this name)

Yes.

[pdt1081]

Officially 99 total shots on goal. BG lead 64-35.

I think McLain will tell you he spent the entire night setting up the game winning goal. Every rush before that one, he passed the puck (usually trying to be fancy) instead of shooting. I really think the goaltender was more ready for the pass, than for McLain to shoot it. It was probably the only rebound he did not control all night.

[pdt1081]

SATURDAY

End of 1, BG leads 2-0. Shots are 16-9, BG.

[TalonsUpPuckDown]

So far, all our playoff goals have been scored by a freshman