Playoff Fast Five: Kingston vs. North Bay – RD1 GM4

The series remains highly contested after the Kingston Frontenacs secured a commanding 4-1 victory over the North Bay Battalion at home in Game 3 on Monday, April 1st. Tonight, the Kingston Frontenacs will strive to maintain their momentum as they host Game 4 at Slush Puppie Place, with the puck set to drop at 7:00 pm.

Fans can anticipate a heated showdown between these rival teams as the series progresses. Physicality has been a hallmark since Game 1, and tensions have only escalated throughout the series. But that is what makes playoff hockey so great. Every play matters and you can see that in the raw emotion of each player.

Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.ca/kingston-frontenacs-tickets/artist/829722 

 

Series (NB leads 2-1):

Game 1: Thurs., March 28 – Kingston at North Bay, 7:00pm: NB won 4-2

Game 2: Sat., March 30 – Kingston at North Bay, 7:00pm: NB won 7-3

Game 3: Mon., April 1 – North Bay at Kingston, 7:00pm – KGN won 4-1

Game 4: Wed., April 3 – North Bay at Kingston, 7:00pm

Game 5: Fri., April 5 – Kingston at North Bay, 7:00pm

Game 6: Sun., April 7 – North Bay at Kingston, 2:00pm*

Game 7: Tues., April 9 – Kingston at North Bay, 7:00pm*

* If Necessary

 

Tune-In:

Fans have the opportunity to tune in to each game in real-time through Fronts Radio, featuring Kingston’s Pure Country 99 as its driving force. The renowned play-by-play announcer, Jim Gilchrist, will be narrating the games, both home and away.

Listen Live (Streaming): Pure Country 99 https://chl.ca/ohl-frontenacs/fronts-radio-streaming-live-on-pure-country-99/

Watch: YourTV Kingston | https://watch.chl.ca/ (subscription needed)

 

 

Five storylines in tonight’s game:

 

Home Cooking

Home ice has proven advantageous for both teams throughout the series. The North Bay Battalion capitalized on their home games in the first two matchups, securing a 2-0 series lead before returning to Kingston for Game 3. However, in Game 3, the Kingston Frontenacs exhibited a marked transformation from their performance in North Bay. They displayed an unwavering commitment, sacrificing their bodies throughout the game, which made it challenging for North Bay to generate momentum. This tenacious playoff-style play, combined with a balanced offensive approach, propelled Kingston to a crucial victory, reigniting their competitiveness in the series.

 

Leading After One

In the series thus far, the team that scores the first goal and maintains the lead after the initial 20 minutes of play has emerged victorious in each game. This trend underscores the significance of a strong start in the playoffs. Kingston will strive to replicate their impressive Game 3 start, where they netted three goals in the first period, propelling them to a decisive 4-1 victory.

 

Extending the Series

The series is guaranteed to go to 5 games, but the Frontenacs have the opportunity to extend it to 6 and reclaim home ice advantage on Sunday, April 7th with a victory tonight or on Friday in North Bay. Given the teams’ closely matched performances throughout the season, it would be unexpected for this series not to go the distance. Moreover, Kingston’s resolute performance in Game 3 highlights their determination to turn this into a competitive series.

 

Player to Watch: North Bay

North Bay Battalion forward Sandis Vilmanis (#23) has been red hot in this series. The Florida Panthers prospect has a goal and 4 assists for 5 points through the first 3 games of the series. With Anthony Romani sidelined in games 2 and 3 due to injury, the play of Vilmanis has been a big boost to the Battalion and the Frontenacs will need to contain him in Game 4 to give themselves the best chance at evening the series.

 

Player to Watch: Kingston

Calm, composed, and collected – these three words perfectly encapsulate Matthew Soto’s performance in the first three games of the series. He has emerged as one of Kingston’s standout players, consistently making an impact with every shift. With a goal and two assists, totaling 3 points, Soto has been instrumental in driving the play for his teammates. If he maintains this level of performance, he will undoubtedly be a significant contributing factor in the Frontenacs’ efforts to even up the series.