Wolves drop 2 more to Colts

The Sudbury Wolves have fallen to a three-game deficit following the weekend's first-round playoff games against the Barrie Colts.

After posting an 11-4 loss in Barrie March 18, the Wolves came back Saturday night with a renewed drive. However, the Pack fell two goals short of taking the win, posting a final score of 2-1.

“We didn't play very well obviously in our first game — we probably did everything wrong,” Wolves' head coach Mike Foligno said. “But we responded very well tonight, and played a solid team game. We weren't weak in any aspect of our game tonight and it was a very close game.”

The Barrie Colts were the first on the scoresheet with a power play goal at the 4:21 mark of the first period. The Wolves responded late in the opening frame with a power play goal of their own from John McFarland.

The score remained tied at one until the opening minute of the final period, when the Colts capitalized on a second power play opportunity, posting the game's winning goal.

“I thought it was a great game,” Foligno said. “I thought the guys really played hard tonight. I think we proved to everybody that we can compete against Barrie.

“I think everybody was doubtful about our opportunity. But if we play like did tonight, take away some really bad penalties, it's a different ball game.

“This game should have been ours tonight,” he added. “Full marks go to our team for showing up and battling the way we did.”

At the end of the game, a bench-clearing brawl broke out between the two teams. (Watch a video of the fight.) Foligno said emotions are running high with both teams.

“We're not going to take a backseat to anybody, I don't care if they're the best team in the league throughout the regular season. Our guys are ready for the challenge. Tonight proved that.”

It was back to Barrie for game three on Sunday night, but the scales still weren't tipped in the Wolves' favour. Despite jumping out to the early lead, the Wolves found themselves in penalty trouble and lost the game by a final score of 6-2.

The Wolves took an early 1-0 lead with a power play goal from Ben Chiarot. However, the Colts took over the lead before the end of the first period on two power play goals.

Leading 2-1 at the start of the second period, the Colts added to their lead with four more power play goals, and took the 6-1 lead into the second intermission.

The Wolves added a goal in the third period by Eddy Rinke, but that was as close as the Wolves would come.

The Sudbury Wolves will have a few days to get ready for game four in Sudbury on March 24. Game time is scheduled for 7:35 p.m.

Season ticket holders are reminded that they have tickets to this game included in their season ticket package as ticket home game #2. For the general public, tickets are available at the door, by phoning 671-3000 or online at www.greatersudbury.ca.