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Flames drop first two games in second-round playoff series

Best-of-seven shifts to Maple Ridge on Friday night
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Ridge Meadows Flames forward Jack Steffens forechecks in a regular season game against the Trappers. (The News files)

The Ridge Meadows Flames have lost the first two games of their playoff series against the Langley Trappers, but the series shifts to Maple Ridge’s Cam Neely Arena on Friday night.

The second round Pacific Junior Hockey League series started on Feb. 27 with a 3-2 win by the Trappers in Langley, and then on Wednesday night the Flames were shut out 4-0.

Consistent Craig Schouten scored in the first game, and Ryan Suzukovich had a goal and an assist. But the Flames big guns – Nic Amsler and Ryan Denney – have been held off the score sheet so far in the series.

Fans should watch for that to change with the switch to home ice. Flames coach Brent Hughes will be getting the last word on which lines he will deploy each shift, and can better dictate the matchups.

READ ALSO: Former NHLer takes over as Ridge Meadows Flames head coach

Denney was out of the game midway through the third period Wednesday. The score was 2-0 when he took a fighting major and 10-minute misconduct, along with Langley’s Kyle Graham.

“It’s two good teams out there, and Langley has played well in both games,” said Flames GM Derek Bedard. “Our offence needs to get going. Langley held serve in both of their homes games, now we have to do the same.”

The GM was clearly frustrated by the results, but would not comment on the officiating from the Wednesday game, that saw Graham in fights with both Craig Schouten and Denney – two of the Flames best offensive weapons. Bedard said he has been in touch with the league.

READ ALSO: Amsler gets Flames a share of the PJHL scoring title

The Flames will host the Trappers on Friday and Monday at The Cam, with 7:30 p.m. starts each night. If necessary, the Series would shift to Langley on March 9, game six would be at Cam Neely Arena on March 11 at 7:30 p.m., and the series final would be March 13 in Langley.


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Neil Corbett

About the Author: Neil Corbett

I have been a journalist for more than 30 years, the past decade with the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows News.
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