‘Got To Keep Going’ Hitmen Focused On Game 3 As Series Shifts To Lethbridge
by Chris Wahl
Down, but far from out.
And preparing to take things one game at a time.
That’s the approach the Hitmen are taking to their best-of-seven, second-round set with the Hurricanes, as the series shifts to Lethbridge for Games 3 and 4 Tuesday and Wednesday night.
The visitors claimed 4-0 and 2-1 wins at the Scotiabank Saddledome to open the series, but as Calgary prepared to head south to the Windy City, head coach Paul McFarland is optimistic his group will lean on the past road performances that helped the Hitmen earn 19 regular-season wins away from home.
“We’ve been a good team on the road for most of the year. We’ve just gotta go win one game, that’s the bottom line,” he said. “We’ve got to win one game on Tuesday night, then we’ll worry about the next game after that.
“Tonnes of guys are playing really good hockey right now, we’ve just got to keep going.”
You could argue the Hitmen deserved at least a split from the first two games of the series.
But for McFarland, what’s done is done.
And his message to his club is all about belief and the value of hard work.
“There’s no reason to hang our head right now, there’s been tonnes of good in the first two games of this series for us,” he said. “If you want to win series, if you want to be champions, you’re going to have to get through these types of situations, for me.
“This is what it’s all about. I’m excited to see what we’re made of.”
Defensively, the Hitmen showed a lot of mettle in Saturday’s Game 2. Anders Miller made his return to the crease with a 25-save effort, and Calgary continues to lead the league during these playoffs, with only 12 goals against from their six post-season games.
At the other end of the rink, they had high-danger opportunities, but ahead of Game 3 McFarland stressed the importance of keeping with it, continuing to work for opportunities to test Lethbridge netminder Jackson Unger.
“We gotta find a way, obviously, to put a few more in the back of the net, but it’s not for a lack of chances,” McFarland said. “It’s the playoffs, it’s not going to be easy. Not supposed to be easy.
“We’ll take the good, obviously fix a few things that we can do better – just like every other game, whether we win or lose – and we’ll be ready for Game 3. Excited to play Tuesday.”
Stick to the plan.
Stick to the script.
And for McFarland’s group, that script is simple. Carry on.
“Just gotta keep going. There’s no adjustment, just keep going,” he said. “That’s what this time of the year is all about for me.
“It’s about belief, and continuing to keep going.”
