Rangers spank Storm securing series lead

The Kitchener Rangers’ high-powered offence was a handful in Game 5. Well, two handfuls.

The Blueshirts spanked the Guelph Storm 10-2 at the Aud Friday to take a 3-2 series lead.

It was a break-out game for captain Connor Bunnaman, who carried the mysterious silver case and blue latex gloves post-game. He had his first two goals of the playoffs and added an assist.

“Confidence was slipping a little bit after four games without a goal,” said the Guelph native, who came into Game 5 with only one assist against his hometown team.

“If you’re not producing offensively, you have to be good defensively; blocking shots, making small plays, making passes, anything to help your team win,” said Bunnaman.

 

The Rangers threw 49 shots on the Storm goal, scoring early and often, leading 3-0 after the first and 7-1 after the second period.

They chased Anthony Popovich after 40 minutes for the second game in the series.

It was a bounce-back game for Mario Culina. After being pulled in Game 4, Culina made 32 saves on 34 shots.

 

Kitchener’s big names led the way. Adam Mascherin earned a hat-trick and added an assist. Riley Damiani, Kole Sherwood and Rickard Hugg also had three points.

Four players scored two or more goals for Kitchener, including Jonathan Yantsis, who’s been slotted on the fourth line.

“We had six points from our fourth line,” said Rangers head coach Jay McKee. “Last game when it was tight and we were down, they didn’t get much ice in the third period. I think they drew at least three penalties, which is key.”

“We have two number one lines. Those guys need to lead us. If you want to win in the playoffs, your best players have to be your best players.”

The home team has won each of the first five games in the first-round match-up between the Highway 7 rivals.

The Blueshirts now take to the road, looking to snap that streak, and end the series. Kitchener was fantastic on the road this season. They earned just as many points away from the Aud this season as they did at home.

Game 6 of the series shifts to Storm city, Sunday. Pre-game on 570 News starts at 1:30 p.m.


GAME 1: Rangers roll early in Game 1 against Guelph (KIT leads 1-0)

GAME 2: Mario super for Rangers versus Storm (KIT leads 2-0)

GAME 3: Guelph storms back scoring three late to take Game 3 (KIT leads 2-1)

GAME 4: Kitchener and Guelph now even (Tied 2-2)

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