Kings Take Command Over Wheatley

The Dresden Jr Kings have the Wheatley Sharks on the ropes, up three to none in their opening round playoff match-up after a tight 4-3 win on home ice on Sunday.

Wheatley attacked early, commanding the tempo, forechecking aggressively and striking first, with Justin Pinsonneault’s second post-season goal, six-and-a-half minutes into the game.

Some penalty trouble cost Wheatley in the second and Dresden’s Lucas Spence was happy to take advantage with two power-play goals, to give Dresden the lead mid-way through the second.

A couple of bounces went Wheatley’s way, leading the Sharks to a game-tying goal awarded to d-man Alex Mosher and an eventual third period goal from Delaney MacDonald to take a 3-2 lead.

Once again, some undisciplined play led to some Wheatley time in the penalty box and Kings newcomer Kenny Chisolm fired a game-tying clapper from the slot past Sharks tender Catalin Morin  at 7:24 of the third.

Dresden’s Nolan VandenBoorn continued his clutch play this season, finding the eventual game-winner blocker side  with under nine minutes remaining in regulation. VandenBoorn led the Kings with an astounding NINE game-winning goals in the regular season.

Wheatley’s Catalin Morin had a very strong showing between the pipes, stopping 44 shots as Dresden outshot Wheatley 48-25.

The Kings go for the sweep Monday night in Wheatley.