Titans return home leading series 2-1 | Titans de témiscaming

The Titans lost game 1 of this best of 5 series in Temiscaming on Saturday evening and faced the task of winning at least one game in Bradford to even think of a game 4 back at the Centre. Well not only did they win on Sunday evening 5-4 but they capped off the weekend with a 5-1 victory Monday afternoon right in the snake pit which is the BGW Leisure Center in Bradford. After a scoreless opening period, the Titans managed 4 goals in the second with three coming via the power play. Larri Vartiainen (2) and Ryder Murray scored the PP goals while Adrien Guenette had the other at even strength. The Rattlers scored their lone goal on a power play with only 10 seconds to play in the second period. A 4th power play in the final 20 minutes by Guillaume Taupier sealed the 5-1 win over the Rattlers. Ryder Murray also contributed with 2 assists as did Marc-Antoine Arseneau. The Titans turned the tables on the Rattlers as they received 9 minor penalties to the Titans 5. The Titans were outshot 34-28. Veli Makinen faced 34 shots and was solid again in goal. The 3 stars were Makinen, Vartiainen and Murray. Coach Chris Levesque commenting after the game said “The guys came out strong today with good composure and kept working and moving their feet which lead to power plays and we took full advantage scoring 4 times.” He added “ I’m very proud of the way we’ve finished our last 2 road games, but the job is not complete yet.” A solid team effort as the Titans played the 2 games short 2 defensemen serving suspensions. In between the first and seconds periods, GMHL Commissioner Ken Girard presented a trophy to Ryder Murray that will be known as the Ryder Murray All time assist leader. The Titans now have an opportunity to advance to round 2 with a win over the Rattlers on Thursday Feb 23rd, game time is 8:00pm.