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Lewistion Wins, Now Face Host Giants

Game Review - Tigers 1 - Vs Maineiacs 3

I totally missed the game but the Lewiston Maineiacs scored two second period goals and added another in the third to defeat the Medicine Hat Tigers by a 3 -1 margin. It would appear that Jonathan Bernier was at his best (yet again) as he turned asided 30 of the 31 shots that the Tigers directed at the Maineiacs goal.

From the highlight package that I saw, it would also appear that the game was full of end to end action with each team trading off offensive opportunities. The wasn't shy of the physical stuff either as the Tigers tried their best to intimidate the Maineiacs but failied in their attempt.

On a downer note for Lewiston, Captian Marc-Andre Cliche left the game in the late stages of the second period when he appear to take an awkward hit from Tigers D-man Trevor Glass. Cliche left the game and reportedly was taken to hospital. I did see the hit probable shoulder separation, not very good news for the QMJHL Champions who will like face the rest of the tournament without their leader.

Game Preview Maineiacs vs. Giants

Maineiacs (1 - 0 - 0 - 2pts.)
Giants (1 - 0 - 0 - 2pts.)
Game Time: 1:30pm PST
Television: Rogers Sportsnet or catch the game live streaming on the CHL Website at www.chl.ca
Radio: CKNW 980 (Vancouver) www.cknw.com

It would appear that with Saturday's victory the Lewiston Maineiacs are not going to shy away from any physical play. I would probably say that the Tigers are a more physical threat than the Giants and the Tigers have a little more speed. That all makes for an rather interesting match-up this afternoon.

Some may question why I continue to doubt the hometown Giants but it really isn't a question of me doubting them. The Giants are a very good hockey team, but if you breakdown each and every player on the team you will begin to notice that each player is 'well rounded'. There is not one, single star on this hockey club and it takes a complete effort of each individual player for the Giants to be successful. Which is fine, if you can get each player on the same page and that is something that coach Don Hay has continued to do night in and night out. With that begin said, in one word, I guess I would describe the Giants as fragile.

Lewiston on the other hand appears to have answered the question as to whether or not they could play physical as they went blow for blow with the Tigers and when the game opened up they used the best of their scoring opportunities.

This could be a rather low scoring game as Jonathan Bernier (Lewiston) and Tyson Sexsmith (Vancouver) are two of the best goaltenders in the CHL. Sexsmith still doesn't have my personal confidence but he did stand up well against the Plymouth Whalers offensive juggernaught, he can expect another busy game this afternoon as he will be tested often.

Bernier will have to deal with the 13,000 plus Giants fans that will be in the building. As Marty Turco knows, the Vancouver hockey crowd has a history of riding goaltenders and Bernier should not expect anything less than the same sort of treatment.

The teams are currently tied for first place in the early going of the tournament. While the game does not guarantee first place it will go a long way in determining the bye into the Championship game next Sunday, so you can expect a high-flying game this afternoon.