The Guelph Storm’s recent winning ways have at least got their heads in the right place heading into tonight’s Game 1 of the OHL playoffs.
The Storm won four of its last five heading into the series-opener on the road against the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.
They’ll need it, as the Hounds, winners of three of the four meetings between the two in the regular season, won seven of its last 10.
“We feel confident about how we’re playing, the pace that we’re playing and the urgency we’re playing with right now – a little bit of desperation the last 10 games or so.
“We’re really happy with the details right now and the guys are confident going into this series,” Wiseman said over the phone Wednesday afternoon.
The Storm arrived in Sault Ste. Marie Wednesday afternoon and practised Wednesday night.
“We’ve kind of been in a bit of a playoff mode here since we hit that turbulence and had about a 12-game span where we struggled, we had a lot of injuries, illnesses and suspension. I think we got through that and are a better team for it. We’ve had to play with a bit of playoff mentality”
Wiseman is expecting and welcoming a close series.
Guelph played in 27 games decided by one goal this season.
“We’ve probably played in more one-goal games than most teams in the league. We take a lot of pride in defending, we’re a defensive-minded team that doesn’t give up a lot of Grade A-scoring chances compared to other teams in the league. We’re comfortable playing with that one-goal lead.”
The Storm will be without starting goaltender Brayden Gillespie, who stayed back in Guelph recovering from a lower-body injury that kept him sidelined for the team’s last four games. Gillespie is back skating, but the responsibility early falls on the shoulders of import rookie Damian Slavik.
Winger Hunter McKenzie also remains out with an injury and is considered day-to-day.
Wiseman pointed to the Sault’s power play and their ability to “head north” when they get possession of the puck.
“They’re a fantastic transition team. They play with pace and they transition the puck and their defence joins the rush very well,” Wiseman said.
Game 2 of the series goes Saturday in the Soo before returning to Guelph for games Monday and Wednesday, both 6:30 p.m. starts.
Here’s a preview of the other series:
WESTERN CONFERENCE
London (1) vs Flint (8)
Season Series: London 3 Flint 1
The Skinny: Firebirds drew the short straw and got a revved-up Knights team that won seven straight heading into the post-season.
Prediction: London in four
Saginaw (2) vs Owen Sound (7)
Season Series: Saginaw 2 Owen Sound 0 (one in overtime)
The Skinny: The Spirit was one of four teams to score 300 goals this season, so Attack goaltender Carter George, who allowed four goals or more in each of his last five games, is going to have to stand on his head for Owen Sound to be any kind of threat.
Prediction: Saginaw in five
Sault (3) vs Guelph (6)
Season Series: Sault 3 Guelph 1
The Skinny: The Storm is playing some of its best hockey in a long time heading into the series, but a Hounds team that always seems to ice playoff-style hockey has won seven of its last 10 … can Damian Slavik step up? Can the Storm stay out of the playoffs? Or is the fact the Storm doesn’t play nearly as well on the road come into play?
Prediction: Sault Ste. Marie in seven
Kitchener (4) vs Erie (5)
Season Series: Kitchener 4 Erie 2 (two Kitchener wins and one Erie win were in overtime)
The Skinny: Erie is a year or two away from being a very, very good team and come into the series on a five-game winning streak while the Rangers have lost four straight. Should be closer than many expect.
Prediction: Kitchener in seven
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Oshawa (1) vs Barrie (8)
Season Series: Oshawa 2 Barrie 2 (Barrie won in overtime and in a shootout)
The Skinny: The Generals, backed by Jacob Oster’s superb play, are winners of 12 straight and shouldn’t have much trouble with the Colts.
Prediction: Oshawa in four
North Bay (2) vs Kingston (7)
Season Series: North Bay 2 Kingston 2 (one Frontenacs win was in overtime)
The Skinny: Anthony Romani, Dalyn Wakely and pick-up of the year Sandis Vilmanis combined for 135 goals this season and the Frontenacs can’t match that firepower.
Prediction: North Bay in six
Brantford (3) vs Ottawa (6)
Season Series: Brantford 3 Ottawa 1 (67’s win came in shootout)
The Skinny: The young Bulldogs aren’t supposed to be this good, but they are.
Prediction: Brantford in five
Mississauga (4) vs Sudbury (5)
Season Series: 3-3 (one Wolves win in overtime, one Steelheads win in shootout)
The Skinny: Four of the six games between the two were decided by one goal and the high-flying Wolves can score with the best of them. But this is playoffs, where goaltending is king.
Prediction: Steelheads in five
