It’s commeth the hour commeth the man time and all that kind of talk.  Yes this is the playoffs - the pinacle of a hockey season even if the British playoffs do only last 4 games.  This is where you want your big players and the guys who know how to play in this kind of situation.  It’s a two legged affair and the Giants with the first home game will be looking for a big result to carry into Newcastle the following night.

The Giants have made the final four weekend the last two season and it would be nice if they could make it three.  They will be up against a strong Newcastle team who you can be sure will bring a very physical game to the table.  Jeff Hutchins said today that his team had to play physical and could not afford to play run-and-gun against the Giants because of our offensive threat.  The Giants have made run-and-gun their idendity over the past eight years and will carry that style into tonights game come what may hoping it is enough to run over the Vipers.  The style leaves you a little open at the back at times and the Giants will be relying on strong play from their defence and especially goalie Stevie Lyle if they are to get the result they want.

While the Vipers will play physical it’s hoped the Giants will not shy away either.  They went hiding from the physical game two years ago in the playoff semi-final against Newcastle and were punished so here’s hoping guys like Carlyle Lewis and Mark Dutiaume throw the body about, especially early on to send a message to the Vipers.

That’s all for now.  It’s 4.15 p.m. and I better start thinking about making my way down over the border.

Category: Games » Game Preview, Newcastle Vipers, Playoffs |

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