Game Recap: Barrie Colts win Game 1 over North Bay. #OHL

Last night the Barrie Colts won game won of the Eastern Conference semi-finals over the North Bay Battalion by a score of 5-2. Though there was SOME question headed into the series, it was Mackenzie Blackwood that got the start.

First Period:

North Bay came out strong early in the period. In the first 5 minutes of regulation they generated 7 shots on Mackenzie Blackwood but Mac was ready for them all. The Colts started to generate some chances after an early attack by the Troops but it would be Andrew Mangiapane that would break the ice with his first of the series. The goal was his 5th of the series and Andersson and Labanc both earned assists. The goal came late in a Justin Brazeau hooking penalty. One of the areas we felt the Colts needed to improve this round was special teams and this was a great start for the boys in blue.

The Troops responded by getting more scoring chances but Barrie would turn it around and on their next shot, Andrew Mangiapane would put up his second goal of the night. Labanc again would earn an assist and Justin Scott got his first helper of the Playoffs. Colts would take the 2-0 lead.

Less than 2 minutes later the Colts would get another goal when Josh Carrick put what appeared to be a harmless wrist shot from the point and it would manage to find it's way to the back of the net. The goal was Carrick's first of the playoffs and would end up being the winner. Nattinen and Hawerchuk both got assists. This goal was the 3rd goal on 3 shots. Not a great stretch for Battalion goalie Jake Smith.

Both teams would generate some more chances but the period would end with the Colts up 3-0. North Bay outshot the Colts 16-12. Luckily the Colts were able to get 3 past Smith fairly easy.

Colts went 1 fo1 1 on the Power Play but would head into the 2nd period with 1:28 left on a Justin Scott hooking penalty.

Second Period: 

Barrie managed to kill off the Scott penalty and shortly after Josh Carrick would put up his second goal of the night. Again this was just a harmless shot that managed to find its way to the back of the net. Colts up 4-0.

The Colts would get another chance on the power play but were unable to capitalize.This was a strong frame for the Colts minus only managing to convert on the Carrick goal. The outshot North Bay 10 to 7 and were excellent in the faceoff circle.

Barrie would take a 4-0 lead into the 3rd period.

Third Period:

The Troops to no surprise would come out hard in the 3rd period. The Controlled most the play for the first 8 minutes of play generating 6 shots and keeping the Colts off the Score sheet. At the 4 minute mark the Troops would finally break Blackwood on a Steve Harland goal.

The Colts would try to respond and managed to finally get some chances but it would be North Bay to score again when Kyle Wood would put up his second goal of the playoffs. North Bay would cut the Colts lead in half 4-2.

The Troops had 4 minutes to try and get back in this one but it would be Justin Scott getting an empty net goal to seal the deal for the Colts. Mangiapane and Labanc would both earn assists again.

A late push by the Battalion would not be enough. They managed to keep the Colts unnder 10 shots in the period but it would not be enough.

Colts win 5-2 and take the 1-0 lead in the series.

Notes:

- North Bay outshot Barrie 34-30

- Barrie won 40 of 77 faceoffs. 

- Both Labanc (3 assists) and Mangiapane (1 goal;2 assists) earned 3 points. 

- Labanc 3 point night put him in 1st (tied) for playoff scoring with 15 points. 

- Blackwood saved 32 of 34 shots faced and had an excellent game. 

-Hawerchuk and Radke had great games. Hawerchuk earned an assist. Both players were aggressive but managed to not go overboard. Radke was moving his legs well. 

- Scott earned an assist, a goal and went 17 for 32 in the faceoff circle. 

Game 2 is set to take place this Monday from Barrie Molson Centre. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30. 

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