With only four seconds left in the game, Ottawa’s Kevin Glode scored the game-winning goal in game one of the best-of-three opening round of the men’s hockey playoffs.
Queen’s, who hadn’t lost to Ottawa all year prior to Wednesday, now faces elimination at home tonight.
Queen’s was outshot 35-17 in the game, but was kept in the game by the solid play of goalie Ryan Gibb. Gibb, in his first career OUA playoff game, kept the door shut including a highlight-reel glove have with six minutes to go in the second to keep it a one-goal game. Ottawa took the lead in the
first period when Gael defender Pat McDonough lost an edge and Ottawa took advantage.
Head coach Brett Gibson said his team responded well after being outplayed in the first period. “We were hesitant in the first period, but it was a pretty even game to me after that,” he said.
The Gee-Gees’ two goals come in the last thirty seconds of the first and third periods. Gibson said he was frustrated with the winning goal. “It really frustrated me because I had the guys on the ice that I
wanted,” he said. Gael forward Jamie Brock scored on the power play for Queen’s early in the third, but Queen’s managed only six shots in the final frame. Gibson, although disappointed with the loss, remained optimistic. “There’s nothing to be discouraged about in a 2-1 hockey game,” he said.
Gee-Gee Ben McLeod, second in the country in goals scored, was kept off the board by Queen’s checking line led by Bryan Moore. “Those guys did exactly what I told them to do, which is not a fun
job,” Gibson said. Faced with a situation similar to last weekend when the Gaels won their last two games to clinch a playoff berth, the Gaels once again have their backs against the wall. But Gibson said he’s confident.
When reminded of the Gee-Gees’ five-game winning streak, Gibson said, “We’re the last team to beat
them. … We beat them last time they were here.” Gibson said he didn’t know if the lineup would change for tonight’s game, saying he would decide at practice.The Gaels and Gee-Gees square
off in game two tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Jock Harty Arena. Tickets are $4 for students and $6 for adults and are available at the wicket in the Physical Education Centre from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and after 6:30 p.m.
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