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Caps enter series vs. Timberwolves as underdogs


Saturday, March 6th 2010Caps enter series vs. Timberwolves as underdogs, says Dwyer

JASON SIMMONDS
The Journal Pioneer

  SUMMERSIDE - It's a case of role reversal for the Summerside Western
Capitals and Miramichi Timberwolves in this year's Maritime Junior 'A'
Hockey League playoffs.
Last season, the Capitals went into the Roger Meek Division final with
home-ice advantage and the better regular-season record. This year, though,
it's the Timberwolves who enjoy the extra home game after finishing higher
in standings.
The two teams open the best-of-seven division semifinal in Miramichi tonight
(Saturday), with Game 2 in Summerside on Sunday at 6 p.m.
"Obviously, they (Timberwolves) were built to play well this year," said
Capitals head coach Gordie Dwyer. "I think we're the underdogs going into
it, and we have a nothing-to-lose mentality. We're going to go in and play
hard."
The Timberwolves finished second in the Meek Division at 35-14-1-0
(won-lost-overtime losses-shootout losses). The Caps, who dropped five of
six head-to-head meetings with Miramichi, were third at 27-20-1-2.
"We're happy with the way the season has went," reflected Dwyer. "We were a
rebuilding hockey team this season.
"Woodstock and Miramichi are two great teams in this league. For us to be
able to keep pace with them for a part of the season has been a positive for
our hockey team."
The Capitals scored 230 goals in 50 regular-season games, second only to
Woodstock's 269. Miramichi has scored 212 goals and allowed 163, which is 23
fewer than the Caps' 186.
"Miramichi is a tough, physical team that forechecks really hard," said
Dwyer. "They have great goaltending and they are solid right through their
lineup.
"We're going to have to be a team that moves the puck quick and use our
assets, which are our forwards, and generate some scoring chances."

Starting goaltender
Paul Dorsey, who had a 3.86 goals-against average and .895 save percentage
in 37 regular-season games, will start Game 1 for the Caps.
"Paul is a capable No. 1 goaltender in this league," said Dwyer. "He's
played well for us at times this season, and we're looking for big things
from him in the playoffs."
The Timberwolves will counter with the tandem of Leo Podolsky (17GP, 3.00
GA, .912 save percentage) and Chris Holden (14GP, 3.04 GAA, .911 save
percentage).
"Miramichi is a good hockey team," said Dwyer. "They've played well all
season and have been coming on real hard at the end of the season.
"We're going to have to play our best hockey to get by them for sure."
After the first two games, the series returns to Miramichi on Tuesday night
and the Caps host Game 4 on Thursday at 7 p.m.
"We're excited to get going," said Dwyer. "The playoffs are a great time of
the year and exciting for all the players, coaches and fans involved."

jpsports@journalpioneer.com
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