For the second straight game Ryan MacPherson was a catalyst leading the Leamington Flyers to another 4-1 win over the Stratford Warriors. They now have a 2-0 lead in the Sutherland Cup finals. "A little bit of shock but you know I think we were well prepared going into this series." MacPherson said. " We played them twice in the round robin. The biggest thing for us is to shut down their powerplay."
Stratford's powerplay is 1-for-10 in the first two games. The lone goal came in the first period Sunday as Patrick Cole scored his 9th of the playoffs. The Flyers quickly erased a 1-0 deficit with three quick second period goals in a span of 4:44.
Ryan took a pass from his brother Connor and blasted home the one-timer from the right circle to tie the game. He then broke free from a Stratford defender on the left wall near the blueline and made a power move through the crease before depositing the puck for a 2-1 Leamington lead.
Captain Gabe Piccolo snapped home 6th of the playoffs to cap off the blitz. "I think they really swung the game and once they got that lead they played really disciplined as a group within their structure." said Warriors head coach David Williams. "It's hard when you're playing from behind against a good team."
Despite outscoing the Warriors 8-2 in the first two games Flyers head coach Dale Mitchell feels the games have been much closes than the scores indicate. "There's some big saves that Wally makes that if it goes in it's a tie game or even a one-goal game."
For more check out the highlight reel and post game interviews below. Two highlights brought to you by Hockey TV.