BILOXI, Miss. � The Mississippi Sea Wolves are ahead of the Louisiana IceGators in the best-of-five Southwest Division Finals, 2 games to 0.
The Sea Wolves can end the series tonight beginning at 7:05 p.m. at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum.
Last week, Mississippi took Game 1 against Louisiana on Wednesday, by a score of 5-2 score at the Wolves Den. Game 2 shifted back to the Cajundome on Saturday and the Sea Wolves blanked the IceGators, 4-0.
The Week Ahead at a Glance:
TONIGHT, April 14 � Game 3 vs. Louisiana IceGators � 7:05 p.m. CT
Mississippi Coast Coliseum, Biloxi, Mississippi
Tuesday, April 15 � To be determined.
Wed., April 16 � (If Necessary) Game 4 at Louisiana IceGators � 7:05 p.m. CT
Cajundome, Lafayette, Louisiana
Thursday, April 17 � To be determined.
Friday, April 18 � To be determined.
Saturday, April 19 � (If Necessary) Game 5 vs. Louisiana IceGators � 7:35 p.m. CT
Mississippi Coast Coliseum, Biloxi, Mississippi
Sunday, April 20 � Day off.
Player of the Week:
Veteran forward Steffon Walby picked up five points in the two wins over Louisiana. The 6-foot and 200-pound native of Lodi, Wisconsin tallied one goal and registered two assists in Game 1 and added two helpers in Game 2.
Walby, 30, leads Mississippi with three power play goals, seven assists and 10 points in the postseason. Overall among East Coast Hockey League postseason scorers, he is tied for second in power play goals and assists and tied for first in the points race.
Goaltender of the Week:
Greg Gardner was between the pipes for both of the Sea Wolves wins against the IceGators, highlighted by earning his first shutout with Mississippi in Game 2. The 6-foot and 190-pound native of Mississauga, Ontario allowed two goals on 27 shots in Game 1. He turned away all 33 shots in Game 2 and has shutout Louisiana for the last 80:04.
Gardner, 27, has posted a 5-0 record in the 2003 Kelly Cup Playoffs. He is tied for the postseason lead among goaltenders with five wins, first with a .970 save percentage, and second overall with a 1.00 goals against average.
Streaking Sea Wolves:
*Mississippi has racked up a team record 15 straight wins at home and extended its unbeaten streak to 21 games at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum. The Sea Wolves home record over that span is 19-0-2. The last regulation loss suffered by Mississippi at the Wolves Den was on December 20 against Louisiana.
*Dating back to the regular season, forward Cody Bowtell has points over his last seven games (5g-6a).
*In the postseason, defenseman Jim Baxter has a five-game point streak (2g-6a).
*Forward Dave Paradise has points over his last four games (3g-4a) and a two-game goal streak (2g).
*Forward Steffon Walby has assists and points over his last two contests (1g-4a).
*Goaltender Greg Gardner has won all five games in the postseason.
*Carrying over from the regular season, netminder Sean Matile won his last two starts.
Injured Reserve:
Defenseman Chris Cava and forward Stu Pietersma remain on the injured reserve.
Individual playoff game tickets are available at all TicketMaster locations, the Mississippi Coast Coliseum box office and by calling 228-594-3707.
