Halifax on the Ropes

[Corco 1,161]

21st One Game Away from Elimination

Halifax forward Steven Nichols looks to the scoreboard after the Reapers score to take a 4-0 lead in Game 4

 

Philadelphia, USA - The quarterfinal Eastern Conference series began with the Philadelphia Reapers taking a 2-0 lead, winning both games on their home ice, but despite taking a much-needed 5-4 victory in Game 3 at home against the top seeded Philadelphia Reapers, the Halifax 21st are now on the brink of elimination after a lackluster performance in a 4-0 loss of Game 4. Despite the lopsided series result so far, up until game 4 the 21st hung right with the Reapers, losing both games by only one goal. In order to make a comeback, Halifax desperately needs to get a better performance out of starting goaltender Vladimir Trunov than they have received so far in the series. The S96 Russian netminder has given up 15 goals on 134 shots thus far, equating out to a .888 SVPCT and 3.67 GAA. It is unlikely that Halifax will go this route given that Trunov has been their man down the stretch this season, but perhaps Halifax management may indeed explore the possibility of giving S97 draftee Ricky LaFleur a chance to start the pivotal Game 5. Starting LaFleur would be a bold move, considering that the he only made 4 starts in the regular season, to the tune of a .911 SVPCT and 2.26 GAA.