Ponies over Bulls

Mitchell Theoret (OHL Images)

Just one game on Monday as we have reached the halfway portion of the conference finals/QMJHL semifinals and it was Mitchell Theoret (NYI 2011 7th) and his Barrie Colts hosting the Belleville Bulls in game 3 of their OHL Eastern Conference finals.

With the series tied at 1-1, the Colts were looking to keep the home ice advantage they were able to wrestle away from the Bulls in game 2. It took an extra 19:55 but Barrie came away with a 5-4 win and a 2-1 series lead with game 4 set for Wednesday in Barrie.

Game 3 of this season had a little of everything starting with plenty of offense from both teams. Belleville jumped out first scoring an even strength goal to grab a 1-0 lead at 8:21 but it didn't last long

Barrie tied the game just 2:20 later while on a power play at 10:41 and it looked as if the period would end even until Mitchell Theoret changed things. Theoret picked up a puck behind the Belleville goal and came out from behind firing the puck past a surprised a Belleville goalie.

The even strength goal at 18:31 gave the Colts a 2-1 lead on Theoret's 10th goal of the playoffs. Theoret now leads the OHL in playoff goal scoring with his 10 goal.

Not bad for a guy who entering this year's playoffs had a total of 11 points in 36 career playoff games. Now Theoret is 10-3-13 in 10 playoff games this season and he is getting to play while the Islander AHL team in Bridgeport missed making the playoffs (as did the CT Whale).

Theoret gave Barrie a lead going into the second period but both teams would wind up tied 4-4 after the 2nd period. Barrie despite a 10-3 advantage in shots in the 3rd period failed to score sending the game into overtime.

Overtime seemed to favor Belleville as they had the edge in play but with the clock winding down on the first overtime, Anthony Camara found a loose puck and fired it under the glove of Belleville's Malcom Subban for the game winner.

This despite game 2's score has been an almost dead even series and Barrie has to play game 4 as if they are trailing in the series. They might catch a break if the OHL decides to suspend 2 of Belleville players for match penalties received in game 3.

Tuesday should be fun as just about everyone is playing.