Komets raring to go on the road
While many Komets fans are worried the odd format to the Rapid City series could mess up Fort Wayne, the players aren’t bothered a bit. they can’t afford to be, but they really don’t mind starting with the first two games on the road.
“I love it,” center Brett Smith said. “I absolutely love it because all the pressure is on the home team starting at home, especially since we have the home-ice advantage. We’re a good road team with nothing to lose. Let’s go for it.”
That’s the attitude all the Komets are taking as they prepare for tonight’s Game 1 of the Central Hockey League playoffs. Because of Disney on Ice taking over Memorial Coliseum this week, the Komets and Rush will have to use a 2-3-1-1 format for this best-of-seven series.
“It’s going to be loud; they are going to come in waves,” Komets captain Colin Chaulk said. “They are going to be ready. they are going to be physical and offensive. they are solid all the way through, and you know what, we’re going to match it and bring it, too. Game on.”
The odd format might be a big advantage for the Komets because they have been so strong on the road this season, going 21-11-1, which was the best mark in the CHL. the Komets also were also 3-1 in Rapid City, which is incredibly difficult to do. the Rush were 21-9-3 at home this season.
“We’re very comfortable on the road,” Komets coach Al Sims said. “We play well, our defense is better and we play with a lot more urgency on the road, so I think having two games there, we get to get away and get together. we haven’t been on the road like that for a while. We’re very confident on the road.”
Whenever the Komets got in trouble this season, it was usually at home, and then they’d go on the road and play well to regain their momentum.
“It takes the distractions away,” forward Chris Auger said. “We can just go there and focus on hockey. We’re not going to have the media circus that is Fort Wayne. It takes a little added pressure off being in first place. we have nothing to lose on the road, and we have confidence playing in Rapid City because we’ve done well there this year. It’s a good matchup for us. the travel isn’t ideal, but there is no ideal travel. I’d rather be doing this early in the playoffs rather than late.”
There’s also a little extra motivation in taking on the Rush again.
“We’re glad that we have the home-ice advantage,” Kaleigh Schrock said. “We have to steal one, but we’re excited to go out there. after these guys got us last year, it’s a good opportunity to get them back. they are a good team, and we’re going to have to bring everything to the table. Rapid City is a tough team to play against.”
The Komets won most of the games against the Rush because of incredible balance. Nick Boucher was 4-0 this year against Rapid City with a 1.85 goals-against average and .927 save percentage. Chaulk, Smith, Auger, Bobby Chaumont, Jamie Milam and Frankie DeAngelis all scored five points against Rapid City.
Since starting 12-11-1, including going 1-4 against the Komets, the Rush finished the season 26-11-5.
“They are not a fourth-place team,” Smith said. “It’s going to be a huge war.”
