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Photo Credit: Sudburylight.ca
Prior to game three of the semi-final series against the Greater Sudbury Cubs on Monday, April 7th, in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, the Soo Thunderbirds will be facing a crucial moment in their best-of-seven matchup. Trailing 2-0 in the series, the Thunderbirds are determined to rally and claw their way back into contention. With the intensity of playoff hockey at its peak, both teams are primed for a fierce battle as the Thunderbirds look to shift momentum and get back into the series on home ice. The stakes couldn’t be higher as the team takes to the ice, aiming to secure a much-needed win to narrow the Cubs’ advantage.
Ahead of Game 3 in the semi-final series, Soo Thunderbirds head coach Jamie Henderson spoke with Saultsports.com about the team’s mindset, acknowledging the challenge of being down 2-0 to the Greater Sudbury Cubs. Henderson emphasized the importance of staying focused, maintaining discipline, and playing with urgency as the Thunderbirds look to make a comeback on home ice.
Can the team find a way to generate more offense against a defense that’s shut them down through two games? With limited scoring chances so far, adjustments in strategy and execution will be key.
‘We simply have to have more poise with the puck. We’ve given it back to them way too easily and they are a team who make it difficult to get pucks back when you give it to them.
Will the coaching staff make any lineup changes to spark energy or shift momentum? Down 2-0, this might be the moment to shake things up or give new players a shot.
We’ve had different lineups every night because of a brutal schedule and injuries. We’ve used 26 players thus far in the first two games. We continue to lose players to injury unfortunately which adds to the challenge.
How will the team handle the pressure of a must-win game on home ice (or the road)? Game 3 is crucial—do they rise to the occasion, or will the pressure be too much?
We need our top players to step up here Monday. This time of year, you best need to lead the way.
How will the team handle the pressure of a must-win game on home ice (or the road)? Game 3 is crucial—do they rise to the occasion, or will the pressure be too much?
The biggest difference thus far is the special teams. We have handed them goals with breakdowns shorthanded and our power play simply hasn’t been nearly good enough. It’s a different game at the John Rhodes than it is on the big ice surface down there, so hopefully we can come out and have a great start Monday night.
Game three will take place on Monday, April 7th at the John Rhodes Centre in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario with the Thunderbirds hosting the Cubs with a 7:00 p.m puck drop.
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