Pre-Game for Game Three Between Avs and Rage

Getting set for the third game of a three-game set, a rubber match between the Alaska Avalanche and the DC Rage. Alaska took the first game of the series in large part thanks to the Rage being unable to stay out of the penalty box, going to the sin bin for a total of 10 times, allowing the Avs to score two powerplay goals. Last night however the Rage got their revenge. Both teams started out a bit slow but the action definitely picked up in the second period as the Rage notched three tallies to take a 4-0 lead in the game. In the third period, the Avs were able to eke themselves back in the game off the back of Brandon Broissot who scored both goals for the Avs in a 5-2 loss, with Jon Johannesson getting the empty netter for the Rage.

Scott Robinson, head coach of the Rage, said the play was definitely better for the Rage in the second game but he wanted to see more determination out of his club in the third period and not allow the Avs back in the game.

Travis Irving, a 20 year old from Maple Ridge BC is a man of few words but a man of poignant words. The 6'5", 210 winger got into a heated discussion with Avs defender Joe Schmitz at the end of last night's tilt and said that he wouldn't be surprised if the two players dropped the gloves tonight. He thinks 5-on-5 the Rage are the better club but need to stay out of the box against a decent Avs PP.

Onto the Alaska Avs. It was clear after going down 4-0 and calling a timeout, head coach Brian Huebel of the Avs was not impressed with the play of his club and he had a few choice words on the bench no doubt to help settle his team. And it worked, as the Avs cut the lead in half and had opportunities in the third period to get even closer to tying the game up.

Keys to the Game:

Dawson:

1. Stay out of the box. In game one, that's exactly how the Avs defeated the Rage and many of the players feel that if they could've stayed out of penalty trouble that they would've beat the Avs 5-on-5.

2. Utilize the width of the ice. The Avs do a great job clogging up the middle, and if the Rage can find the cross-ice pass or make two or three passes to open up the wings, they should have an easier time getting entrance.

3. Be physical. The Avs have a lot of speedy forwards and defence willing to jump up into the play. They have to contain that speed with physical presence.

Alaska:

1. Establish speed. Huebel feels as though the strength of his team's game is in the speed.

2. Get on the forecheck. Especially with Whitehill and Broissoit, the Avs have a strong cycle game and can get the Rage out of position to open up opportunities in the slot.

3. Don't allow second chances on Peterson. When he sees the puck, he's an athletic goaltender and can usually even make the second stop.