Positive start to OHL playoffs for Greyhounds (16 photos)

A strong start was the key to the Soo Greyhounds opening the Ontario Hockey League playoffs on a positive note.

The Greyhounds scored a pair of goals in the opening period and, despite some push-back in period two, picked up a 5-2 game one victory over the Flint Firebirds on Thursday night at the Essar Centre.

“Certainly that was the start we were looking for,” said Greyhounds Coach Drew Bannister said. “We did a lot of good things. We created a lot of opportunities. Their goalie (Connor Hicks) made some really good saves to keep the game close.”

“They came out with a lot of energy as expected,” said Flint Coach Ryan Oulahen. “For a lot of the night we were chasing the game.”

Oulahen said nerves may have also played a role in a tough start.

“We’ve got a lot of kids coming into the playoffs for the first time here and even some of our veterans have never been in this spot,” Oulahen said. “It was important for us to get the first one over with.”

After falling behind 3-0, the Firebirds scored a pair of goals in the final minute of the second period to cut into the Greyhounds lead. The goals came just 22 seconds apart to give the Firebirds some life.

“We had played well up to that point,” Bannister said. “We had a letdown for a minute but you could see it building.”

The Greyhounds would rebound with a pair of goals in the final frame to seal the series-opening victory.

Hayden Verbeek had a pair of goals for the Greyhounds, which included the eventual game-winner midway through the second period.

“Hayden was good,” Bannister said. “That line (Verbeek centering Barrett Hayton and Bobby MacIntyre) was really good, especially early on for us.”

Rookie goaltender Matthew Villalta made 19 saves.

“He had to make some big saves at certain times,” Bannister said. “He did a good job for us.”

The playoff win continues a successful week for Villalta, who was named the OHL’s goaltender of the month and rookie of the month on Wednesday after posting a 1.34 goals against average and 0.957 save percentage in six games in March. Villalta posted a 5-1-0-0 record.

Bannister said the plan is for Villalta to start game two.

Jack Kopacka, Boris Katchouk and Blake Speers had the other goals for the Greyhounds. Katchouk finished the night with a goal and an assist.

Hicks finished the night with 32 saves.

“We had a real good effort (from Hicks) that gave us a chance to win the game,” Oulahen said.

Mathieu Henderson and Alex Peters scored for Flint.

“Now we don’t have to worry about what the playoffs are like,” Oulahen said. “Now the guys are going to know and hopefully be a little more prepared for game two.”

Game two is set for Saturday night at the Essar Centre. Puck drop is set for 7:07 p.m. The series will then shift to Flint for games three and four on Monday and Wednesday nights.

*****

OTHER SCORES

In Erie, Kyle Maksimovich had two goals and an assist as the Erie Otters doubled up the Sarnia Sting 6-3. Alex DeBrincat, Taylor Raddysh, Anthony Cirelli and Warren Foegele had a goal and an assist each for the Otters. Dylan Strome also had a pair of assists for Erie. Justin Fazio made 45 saves for the Sting. Jordan Kyrou and Drake Rymsha had a goal and an assist each for Sarnia. Jordan Ernst had the other goal for Sarnia. Erie takes a 1-0 series lead with the victory.

In Peterborough, a three-goal second period was ultimately the difference as the Peterborough Petes beat the Niagara IceDogs 5-2. Adam Timleck scored a pair of goals for Peterborough. Josh Coyle added a goal and an assist. Brandon Prophet assisted on three Petes goals. Kyle Jenkins and Semyon Der-Arguchintsev also scored for Peterborough. Dylan Wells made 32 saves. Kirill Maksimov and Danial Singer scored for Niagara. The Petes take an early 1-0 series lead with the win.

*****

AROUND THE OHL

The Ontario Hockey League announced its perforrmers of the month on Wednesday.

Owen Sound Attack forward Petrus Palmu was named player of the month after scoring seven goals and 20 points in nine games in March.

Defenceman Santino Centorame of the Attack was named the defenceman of the month after scoring two goals and 15 points in nine games in March.