Aberration

Dukes drop a dud in Georgetown

The Dukes will bounce back. Even as they were being outscored mightily on Tuesday night in Georgetown, it was apparent the Wellington Dukes were the better team. Faster. More agile with the puck. Better passes.

Frank Pucci (16) and Josh Supryka (18) celebrate Bryce Yetman’s second period goal on Monday in Wellington. Yetman would score three in the game. He has scored 10 goals in 11 games since he has joined the Dukes.

Remember too that seven of Georgetown’s eight goals on Tuesday were scored on the powerplay. Penalties have been the Dukes Achilles heel all season long—yet, they have managed to overcome the adversity they have caused themselves (and in some cases been ably assisted by some wobbly officiating).

The Dukes also had powerplay opportunities—but most of these came after the outcome of the game was out of reach. Six of the first nine penalties were assessed to the Dukes. Some earned, others of mystical origins. Three power play goals before the game was 21 minutes old.

Spotting any team three goals in the Buckland Cup seems an unreasonable handicap.

Yet, the Dukes remain in the driver’s seat in the OJHL Championship series.

Expect a tighter game this evening. Expect the Dukes to come out with more fire in their bellies.

The Dukes have messed the bed in at least one away game in each of the last two series: dropping an 8-1 dud in another penalty filled event in game 2 in Newmarket, and a 6-2 loss in Aurora in Game 3 of that series. Even in the Pickering series the Dukes dropped a 3-1 decision in game three when the Dukes gave the Panthers seven powerplay opportunities. In each instance, the Dukes have bounced back with determination and grit.

Expect the same tonight.

The puck drops at the Wellington and District Community Centre at 7:30 p.m. The Dukes lead the best of seven series 2-1.