Blues Advance to Division Final
Face Arch Rival Grimsby Next Week
Dundas came out strong from the drop of the puck and never let up, beating Chippawa 5-2 Thursday night to claim the division semi-final four games to one.
The team that outmuscled Dundas in the last week of the season to edge into second place and earn a first round playoff bye outshot Dundas 31 to 22, but the Blues dominated in all other areas and made the most of their opportunities, scoring twice in the first period on just four shots and three times in the second on nine shots.
Dundas scored twice on six powerplays, while shutting Chippawa down on all four of their powerplay opportunities. Blues general manager Steve Aglor credited all aspects of the team for a strong performance in the series winning game.
"We took the lead early and held it the entire game," Aglor said. "Shawn Krzykala was solid in net as were the defence in front of him. The forwards worked hard creating many scoring chances."
Andrew Kolodzey opened the scoring nearly three minutes into the game with an unassisted goal. Andrew Clark followed eight minutes later with a goal assisted by Mike Tache and Mike Peters to give Dundas a 2-0 lead heading into the second period.
The Blues widened their lead to 4-0 with back-to-back powerplay goals from Dylan Gilbert. Robert Bentivegna and Andrew Clark both picked up assists on Gilbert's goals.
Chippawa finally found its way onto the scoreboard in the final three minutes of the second frame, but Dundas kept pace with a goal from Kevin Dowling, assisted by D.J. McConnell and Mike Peters in the final minute of the frame.
Dundas clamped down on Chippawa in the third period, as the opponent notched just one goal - with 10 seconds left to play.
In net, Krzykala stopped 29 of 31 shots for the win.
The Dundas Blues open the best of seven East Division final against Grimsby in Dundas on Tuesday, March 2 at 7:30 p.m. Games two and three are set for Grimsby on Friday, March 5 and Sunday, March 7. Game four is scheduled for Dundas on Tuesday, March 9 at 7:30 p.m.
