Federov's 1st Playoff Loss

[Banackock 8,048]

The series almost went the distance but the Brampton Blades came up a little bit short. Losing the first 2 games to the Yukon Rush took a lot out of the organization, but with a 3-1 win in game two, the team seemed to have been finding their groove. Unfortunately, it was for that game only as the next game didn't go into the win column for them. Despite it being only a 1-0 loss, a loss is a loss in the playoffs and the team now found themselves at a huge disadvantage being down 3-1 in the series.

 

"Being that close to elimination - it already felt bad - the idea of losing. The locker room didn't want to give up, but with newer players who aren't used to such extreme, difficult pressure, it's tough to at times stay focus. We practiced and held a team only meeting to try and get our heads straight for Game 5"

 

That they just did too. Their heads were on a little bit tighter as the Blades held on to a second period lead to shut the Rush out in the 3rd period to take the game with a final score of 3-2. With hope and slight momentum running into game 6, it was their chance to bring the series even and tie it all up and force a game 7. After the 1st, the Rush led by one. Then, the second followed with the Rush remaining in the lead by one goal but with a score of 2-1. The 3rd rolled around and the Blades were heavily out shot 9-3 with 2 more goals going against. End result, Federov and the Blades were sent home without a cup.

 

"Tough game, tough series and an even more difficult loss to swallow. Watching the time go down in the 3rd period, it was hard. We pushed and pushed but we just got strongly out played. It's that simple. The season is over now and it's time to focus on the off-season. Maintain training and keep getting better at my game".

 

For Federov