Generals Come Back to Clinch Series over Totems

The NOR PAC Pacific Division third seed Eugene Generals had to overcome an early 3-1 deficit against the second seeded Seattle Totems tonight , but the Generals rallied to an 8-5 victory to clinch the Pacific Division Semi-Finals 3-1. The Generals had to overcome a 1-0 series deficit after losing the first game of the series. The Generals will now face the Fort Vancouver Pioneers in the best-of-five Pacific Division Finals.

“I was a little worried because we came out flat again tonight,” Generals Head Coach Chris Hartly stated. “I have a ton of confidence in our player’s ability to come back from adversity, though, and they were able to end the Totems playoff run early. We need to carry this momentum to the next round. If we are able to do that then I think we have a great chance at returning to the Cascade Cup, and redeeming our loss last year.”

The Totems were able to get on the board just two minutes into the game with a powerplay goal, but the Generals were able to answer with four minutes left in the first period when Matt Vasilie got on the board. The tie didn’t last long however, as the Totems put one in the net with under a minute to play in the period.

The Totems took a two goal lead two minutes into the second period, but that is the only one they would get in the period. Ryan Schank was awarded a penalty shot 7:36 into the second, after a Totems hook denied Shank a breakaway, and he didn’t waste the opportunity. The Generals were fired up after the Schank’s penalty shot, and were able to score two powerplay goals in the period. Lucas Romero tallied the first powerplay goal, and Trent McKee tallied the second to give the Generals a one goal lead heading into the third period.

The Totems came out hard in the third, and for the third time of the night, scored a goal just two minutes into the period. The Generals were able to answer right back when Sean Woodring assisted Michael Frei. Frei was able to give the Generals a two goal lead (6-4) six minutes later with the eventual game winning goal. The Totems were able to get one more, but that was all the Generals would allow. Sean Woodring was able to get his first playoff goal of his three year NOR PAC career on the powerplay, which gave the Generals a 7-5 lead. Michael Frei scored his third goal of the game, and the period, on the Totems empty net with 0:47 left in the game which sealed the victory for the Generals.

Earning the win in net (third win of the series) for the Generals was Nick Maynes. Maynes, who led the league in SV % (.924) coming into the game, allowed five goals, but was able to save 39 shots on the night. Maynes now has a 3-1 career playoff record, and appears to have more confidence than he has ever had in a Generals uniform.

The Generals will face the first place Fort Vancouver Pioneers in the Divisional Finals next weekend. The games will be broadcast on GiTV. For more information on upcoming Generals playoff games or GiTV please visit eugenegenerals.com.

For more information:
Chris Bilder, Public Relations/Marketing, Eugene Generals
541-359-4154 (office)
541-680-6222 (cell)