Watching and Waiting

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Helsinki -- For a second straight season, Helsinki Titans goalie Xavier Booberry has been watching the playoffs from home, waiting for his chance. This year, though, the watch has been a bit more excruciating. Not only were the Titans closer to a playoff bid, after all, but some players that Booberry began the season with are actually in the playoffs.

 

Winger Kyosti Karjalainen and defender Wattson Power, for instance, have been contributors for Moscow in their run to force a Game 7 against London in the conference semifinals. Former Helsinki star Alex Johnston, meanwhile, has already won his series in Riga to face the Moscow/London winner. The result for Booberry is a bit of longing.

 

"I'm not going to lie, it's been a bit tough watching those guys while I haven't gotten a taste of the playoffs myself," Booberry said. "I know my time is coming, but I just get antsy."

 

Indeed, the Titans team is looking ahead to a big offseason, where playoffs will certainly be the expectation next season. But even when they get there, many of these same names will soon be waiting. Ultimately, that prospect excites Booberry.

 

"I'd love to face off against my old teammates in the playoffs, are you kidding me?" Booberry said. "Get me stopping shots against Johnston in Riga next playoffs, and I'll be happy as a clam. Because it means we're there, and if we're there, we've got a shot."