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Wolves head into tough three-game weekend

For the Sudbury Wolves, there was only one way to go with goals against and that was down. In the first month-and-a-half, the team allowed far too many.
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Sudbury Wolves goalie Sam Tanguay has been rock-solid the last three games, stopping 107 of 114 shots fired his way. Photo by Scott Haddow.

For the Sudbury Wolves, there was only one way to go with goals against and that was down.

In the first month-and-a-half, the team allowed far too many.

It was sometimes brutal to watching, as opposing teams routinely rang up six, seven, eight and nine goals in a game. Needless to say, wins were hard to come by.

In the last three games though, the Wolves have tightened up, allowing only seven pucks to pass the pipes. Going 1-2 in that span, the results have provided encouragement and — dare we say — a new ray of hope.

“It’s been two things that has cut goals against down,” Sudbury head coach Paul Fixter said. “One: Our goaltending has been really good lately. And has given us a chance to win games.

“Two: There has been a good effort in the defensive zone. It takes five guys and the goalie to cut down goals against and the guys have been committed to being better. Our margin of error is small, so we have to be concerned with our defensive zone.”

Goaltending has been key. Sam Tanguay has played the last three games, stopping 107 of 114 shots.

“It all starts with goaltending,” Fixter said. “We have been getting key saves at key times the last few games. Saves that have bailed us out of mistakes or just timely saves. Absolutely, it has helped turn things around for the team.”

Offensively, the Wolves still have a problem, a problem that will be compounded by trading away scoring star Nick Baptiste on Monday to Erie. In return for Baptiste, the Wolves get Travis Wood, Cole Mayo and four draft picks.

The team will need those new players this weekend.

Guelph Storm hits the ice at Sudbury Arena on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Sudbury then hit’s the road for a Saturday game in Barrie at 7:30 p.m. The Wolves wrap up the weekend with a home game Sunday against Sault Ste. Marie at 2 p.m.

Baptiste's steadying presence and scoring abilities will be noticeably absent though.

“We will miss Nick’s presence,” Fixter said. “It is what it is. We got good assets in return and hopefully those players can jump in and help the cause. The weekend will not be easy.”


Baptiste was an electrifying player for Sudbury, breaking out last season as a bona fide star with 45 goals and 89 points. He left Sudbury with a heavy heart, but told NorthernLife.ca he's ready for his next challenge.

“It has been bittersweet for me,” the 19-year-old said. “I’m crazy excited to go to one of the best teams in the country ... (but) it is sad to say goodbye to my teammates, billets and fans.”

The Wolves expect to be in full health this weekend. Rookie forward Michael Pezzetta skated all week and returns from an upper body injury from last week.

 

Enemy Lines


Last year’s champion is still a lion to be feared. The Storm went 12-9-0-1 in their first 22 games. The team was gutted by graduations, but a powerful core of players returned to keep Guelph a playoff contender.

Leading the way has been Sudbury native Tyler Bertuzzi, who scored 13 goals and 31 points in 22 games. Forward Robby Fabbri has exploited opposing defences with 13 goals and 26 points in 16 games.

This is the lone visit the Storm makes to Sudbury this season.

Barrie

The Colts remain a prickly foe to tend with, going 10-10-1-1 in their first 22 games. The Central Division rival has bested Sudbury twice this season, winning 6-4 on Oct. 11 and 9-2 on Nov. 7. Forward Andrew Mangiapane has feasted on the Wolves, with five goals and eight points in two games.

Sault Ste. Marie

The Greyhounds have firmly established themselves as a championship contender, going 18-5 in their first 23 games and holding second place overall in the Western Conference. They are ranked in the CHL Top-10. The Greyhounds have won all three games against Sudbury so far this season. Forward Jared McCann has two goals and five points against the Wolves in two games.


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