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Combines face elimination after weekend losses to Silvertips

Feb 12, 2017 | 9:24 PM

The Meota Combines have a tall task ahead of them if they want their Saskatchewan Prairie Hockey League season to continue: win three in a row.

The senior men’s hockey team fell 5-3 in both games one and two of their opening round playoff series against the Shellbrook Silvertips.

Both games so far in the best three-of-five series were within reach.

“It’s been a one-goal difference here in both games [with] those empty netters they got,” Combines forward Kyle Gregoire, who scored the opening goal in Sunday’s game, said following the loss. “As long as we [fix] those minor mistakes, we think we can come back in this series.”

If that’s going to happen, there can’t be any lapses in play, which has happened – and hurt – Meota so far.

In game one, it was a slow start that put them behind 3-0. They got back into the game, but the hole was too big to climb out of.

In game two, Shellbrook scored three goals in a span of 4:55 in the second period.

“In both games, we played two periods solid and missed out one period,” Gregoire said. “Other than that, I think we played a solid game both games. I think it’s going to come down to one goal each game for the rest of the series.

“[We need to] be smart on those mistakes that we’ve been making. Make sure that we’re playing better defensively in our end and not giving up those 2-on-1s that they got a couple times and make sure we’re taking the puck to the net.”

For the Silvertips, staying disciplined is a key.

They only took three minor penalties on Sunday.

“If we stay out the box, we can beat any team in this league,” said Shellbrook forward Brett Mason, who had two goals on Sunday, including the game-winner. “The boys are rolling… [and] we’re just working hard.

“We’ve got seven more wins until we get that cup, so that’s the focus.”

Game three is set for Wednesday in Shellbrook. If the Combines can come away with a win, game four will be Friday night at the Civic Centre.