WOLVES COME HOME EVEN AFTER TWO

Budapest, Hungary- After losing 3-2 in overtime to Honved in Game 1 on Wednesday, the Timberwolves needed to answer back in Game 2 on Thursday. It took Patrick Sharp :06 seconds after the opening face-off to get things started.
>>>
"We have to set the tempo early and establish our game," said Sharp prior to this game. "They thrive on their team defense and shutting teams down. It's huge to get ahead early and force them to get outside of their gameplan."
>>>
Former Timberwolf, Mason Raymond tied things up at 3:31 in the first. A power play goal from Rick Nash [pictured] at 13:47 took the lead back for Thunder Bay. But a late tally from Mike Knuble at 19:47 evened things out going into the first intermission.
>>>
"That late goal really hurt," said Timberwolves defenseman Erik Johnson at the break. "They have the momentum right now. We have to keep up our confidence and continue to do what we're doing offensively and tighten things up in our own zone."
>>>
Shots in the first period were 14-11 in favour of Budapest.
>>>
At 5:31 in the second, rookie pivot Matt Duchene scored his first career post-season goal. Marian Gaborik doubled up the lead at 9:01 while once again on the power play to make it 4-2 for the Timberwolves. A short-handed breakaway from Sharp at 18:34 was capped off with the Thunder Bay-native scoring his 6th of the playoffs and taking the road club into the second intermission with a 5-2 lead and clear momentum going into the final 20 minutes.
>>>
"Sharpie's goal was huge," said Duchene between periods. "Their late goal in the first period kind of deflated us a little. But there's alot of resiliant guys in the room and we just leaned on the big guns like Sharpie and Gabby and Nash. The never say die mentality is a must at this stage in the season."
>>>
The third period scoring seen both hockey clubs exchanging a single goal each [Nash and Budapest's Mike Modano] and the Timberwolves finishing with a strong 6-3 victory.
>>>
"It was big to establish our game early and stick with it," said Thunder Bay's Mike Fisher after the game. "They came back, but we didn't panic and kept doing what was working and forcing them to take chances. They have one of the best if not the best defenses in the league. So to put six goals behind them is rare. If we can stay consistent, we can dictate games and push our style on them."
>>>
Game 3 goes heads to Thunder Bay on Friday. The Timberwolves will be without defenseman, Brooks Orpik who took a Brayden Coburn point shot off his chin when trying to block it. He will sit our Friday and likely wear a full cage when he returns.
>>>
>>>3-STARS
>>>
>>>*Rick Nash [THU] - 2 goals and an assist
>>**Patrick Sharp [THU] - 2 goals and an assist
>***Marian Gaborik [THU] - 1 goal and an assist

WOLVES FORCE GAME 7

Rick Nash

Quebec City, Que.- In what many of the Timberwolves players were calling the "game of our lives" and "nothing bigger", need to now bring it up one big notch after beating the Remparts 4-2 on Monday to force a Game 7 on Tuesday back in Thunder Bay.
>>>
"For more than the obvious reasons to stay alive and dig deeper into the post-season," remarked Timberwolves alternate captain, Mike Fisher. "We needed to come in here and prove to ourselves that we are better than how we've been playing so far. Getting shutout and losing like we did in Game 5 [6-0] was about as embarrassing as it gets. Our fans who have been there for us every game and keep selling that place out through it all. They deserved so much more than what we left them with. Now we have an opportunity to come home and make it up to them. It doesn't get any bigger then here and now. It's not a Game 7 in the Final. But it's still a Game 7. If you can't get up for that and give it everything you have inside of you. Then you're in the wrong profession. We will be ready. There is no other option."
>>>
Monday's Game 6 got off on a good foot for the Timberwolves early. An ill-advised trip by Quebec's Antoine Vermette just :15 seconds into the game, was answered with a Rick Nash power play tally :19 seconds later to put Thunder Bay up 1-0.
>>>
A shooting gallery of sorts in the middle period had the Timberwolves putting 16 shots on Jaroslav Halak. Three of them finding the back of the net from Fisher, TJ Oshie and Patrick Sharp. Sharp's goal catching the Rempart's goaltender between the top of his left pad and pants before dipping five-hole to make it 4-0. Quebec's trainer immediately came out to Halak and after some flexing and grimacing, he stayed in through the second period.
>>>
Sensing that they had a lame moose in front of them, the Timberwolves did what Timberwolves do and... well, hit up Sheldon Souray to unleash a low blast from the point at the 1-minute mark of the 3rd period. The shot hit it's mark. Low on a hobbling goaltender who had to be assisted off the ice by teammates and trainers. For the second time in this series, Thomas Greiss came in relief for his injured comrade.
>>>
Two goals from the Remparts in the 3rd period made the game closer. But in the end it would be the Timberwolves who took the win with them on the way back to Thunder Bay.
>>>
"None of us want this to end," said TJ Oshie after the game. "We had all the motivation in the world coming in here after getting stomped on in the last one. It's something to transform all that anger and embarrassment into something like what we did today. It's great to keep this going, but we're not satisfied with this. We have 60 minutes or more of the best hockey of our lives coming up. We have to give it everything we have in our heart and soul and ability tomorrow. It's got to be the game of our lives."
>>>
3-STARS
>>>
>>>*Rick Nash [THU] - 1 goal
>>**Carl Gunnarsson [THU] - 2 assists
>***TJ Oshie [THU] - 1 goal

GAME 6 PREVIEW: NO ROOM FOR ERROR

Patrick Sharp

Thunder Bay, Ont.- "It doesn't get anymore serious then this," said by Timberwolves alternate captain, Patrick Sharp after a devastating 6-0 loss on Sunday to the Quebec Remparts. "We needed for this to be a statement game for us. All that we accomplished was a chance to see what kind of intestinal fortitude we have. To be dismantled like that and in front of our fans. It's one of the most embarrassing moments in my hockey career. If anyone else in this room disagrees with that, then they need not bother making the trip back to Quebec."
>>>
"We didn't have it today," said head coach, Craig Hartsburg. "There's plenty to dissect and digest and no time to hang our heads. What's done is done, but this is not over. We have to come out tomorrow and want it more. Simple as that. There's no technique or secret formula. We have to want it more. We're not ready for our season to be over."
>>>
Despite a team oozing of confidence and upbeat attitude, the reality is that the Thunder Bay Timberwolves are on the brink of being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. For the second year in a row. Can they overcome the odds, even out the series and win it in seven games? Game 6 is tomorrow in Quebec.

GAME 2: LUNDQVIST SHUTS OUT REMPARTS

Thunder Bay, Ont.- Having been a witness to superb goaltending 190 feet away in Game 1, Henrik Lundqvist [pictured] felt it was his turn to showcase his elite play in Game 2.

SPACE

"I didn't think I played bad in Game 1," remarked Lundqvist prior to Game 2. "But they got two in and [Jaroslav] Halak played better."

SPACE

Seven minutes into Game 2, and the goalie that stymied the Timberwolves a day prior was skating to the Remparts dressing room with an undisclosed injury. In came Thomas Greiss. A former prospect in the Thunder Bay system.

SPACE

At 10:48 into the opening period, Steve Sullivan made it 1-0 for the Timberwolves. Assisted by TJ Oshie and newly inserted Blair Betts. Betts replaced rookie centre, Matt Duchene from Game 1. SPACE

Once again, Thunder Bay came out firing. Unleashing 11 shots on Halak and Greiss. While Lundqvist stopped all 5 he faced in the first period.

SPACE

The middle period would be scoreless. The Timberwolves outshooting Quebec 15-10.

SPACE

Mike Fisher put the game away for the home team at 15:31 to make it 2-0. The final score.

SPACE

"Unfortunate for them to lose their number one in net," said Timberwolves head coach Craig Hartsburg after the win. "But we'll take it. Halak was steller in the first game, so if we could get him out of there, fine by us. But we can't lay off or get it in our head that just because their backup is in, we'll come out on top. Greiss still looked pretty good in there."

SPACE

Although the Remparts will not disclose the injury to Jaroslav Halak, it was announced that he will not be available for Game 3 back in Quebec City on Friday.

SPACE

3-STARS

SPACE

* Henrik Lundqvist [THU] - 23 saves in shutout win

SPACE

** Steve Sullivan [THU] - 1 goal [game-winner]

SPACE

*** Mike Fisher [THU] - 1 goal

GAME 1: REMPARTS HALAK A STONEWALL

Quebec's Halak made 41 saves in Game 1 win over Timberwolves

SPACE

Thunder Bay, Ont.- The opening game of the playoffs for the Thunder Bay Timberwolves was as advertised according to the club's general manager, Blake Wendt. A 2-1 win for the visiting Quebec Remparts. Led by solid defense and even more solidified goaltending from Jaroslav Halak [pictured] who made 41 saves in the victory. Including stopping all 19 shots faced in the third period.

SPACE

"We did what we could," remarked Wendt after the game. "We didn't let up, and in fact got stronger as the game progressed. But when you face a goaltender that is zoned in like that, there's not much more you can do. I'm pleased with our effort, but obviously not the end result. Credit their guys for getting the job done and big props to Halak. We'll continue what we're doing to break through him. Eventually we'll get our chances.

SPACE

The Remparts were led in offense by their top line. Antoine Vermette and Lee Stempniak notched a goal and an assist each and Radim Vrbata helped with an assist. Dan Boyle also got a point with an assist on Vermette's goal.

SPACE

"We keyed in on their #1 line, and they still got the job done," said Timberwolves captain, Keith Ballard. "Their shots were limited [only 21 reached Henrik Lundqvist], but they were good shots and obviously two of them snuck through. We have to get better quality shots on their guy. Because we're getting them. These guys are giving us room. We have to take advantage of that."

SPACE

Game 2 is on Thursday back at Canadian National Gardens in Thunder Bay.

SPACE

3-STARS

SPACE

*Jaroslav Halak [QUE] - 1 goal against and 41 saves in win

**Lee Stempniak [QUE] - Game-winning goal and an assist

***Antoine Vermette [QUE] - 1 goal and an assist

WOLVES DRAW REMPARTS IN FIRST ROUND

Captain Ballard hopes to lead club into and past first round of playoffs

SPACE

Thunder Bay, Ont.- The Timberwolves closed out the 2010-11 CCHL regular season with 106 points and a win on Tuesday over the North Dakota Ibex. That combined with a Denver Spurs loss, locked in the 5th overall ranking for Thunder Bay. Who will now take on the 2008-09 CCHL Cup champion-Quebec Remparts in the opening round of the playoffs.

SPACE

"It's great to be back," remarked Timberwolves general manager, Blake Wendt. "We pretty much did what we wanted there at the end of the season. We hoped to climb as high as we could up the standings. A tough split of two points in Beverly Hills the other day kept us from getting up to fourth. But we still played well, played sharp and avoided those dreaded late season injuries that sometimes hamper your playoff aspirations. We're excited to get going and see how we fair. It's a whole new season and anything can happen."

SPACE

In the Remparts, the Timberwolves are taking on a 12th-ranked club with their own aspirations of playoff success. The last time they were in the post-season, they won the Cup. Although this new Quebec hockey club is rebuilt, the bones are still there and the banner in their rafters has not faded.

SPACE

"We have the utmost respect for Mr. Leopardi and the Remparts," said Wendt. "Despite rankings and records, we've played close all season and we both share a 2-2 head-to-head record. If we can get our offense going early and often, that will be key. Otherwise our defenses are very similar and we both have very good goaltending. They say defenses win championships. But offense will have to be the deciding factor with this match-up. It should be a good series. Hopefully we can come out on top."

SPACE

Although lineups are still hush until likely the warm-up or even introductions, it is a given that the Timberwolves will take with them three rookies to at least start the playoffs. Centres John Tavares and Matt Duchene will still have to earn their minutes. But expect both to see their first post-season action in Game 1. With them, defenseman Carl Gunnarsson has done nothing but impress in his first go around. The Swedish rearguard played routinely in the top-6 and seen plenty of time on both the power play and will killing penalties.

SPACE

The Timberwolves take on the Remparts on Wednesday and Thursday at Canadian National Gardens. Then both clubs head to Quebec for games three and four and alternate the remaining three if necessary. The match-up is the only all Canadian contest in the first round.

WOLVES DEVOUR DONUTS IN LAST REG. SEASON HOME GAME

Streit notches second goal since joining Timberwolves

space

Thunder Bay, Ont.- The Timberwolves closed out their 2010-11 regular season home games with a 2-1 win over the 10th place Wisborg Donuts.

space

"It's great to finish how we started here and do this for our fans," said Timberwolves GM Blake Wendt. Thunder Bay opened the season with a 4-2 win over the North Dakota Ibex and then went 26-11-4 at Canadian National Gardens.

space

Despite putting twelve shots on Wisborg's Johan Hedberg, Thunder Bay was unable to solve the Swedish netminder, and six saves by Brian Elliott held both clubs scoreless through twenty minutes of hockey. Elliott making his second consecutive start in favour of Henrik Lundqvist who is likely to start throughout the playoffs.

space

Thunder Bay's Mark Streit [pictured] broke the ice at 14:26 into the second period to make it 1-0. The Swiss blueliner scored his sixteenth goal of the season and second since being acquired from Long Island while on the power play.

space

Ethan Moreau took advantage of some rare minutes on the power play to make it 2-0 for the Timberwolves at 18:32. This being defensive-specialist Moreau's second goal of the season.

space

Wisborg got themselves into the game at 11:22 into the third period with a tally from from Patric Hornqvist. But a combination of heads up saves by Elliott and his team in front of him keeping the pressure and the puck in the Donuts' zone helped hold the score and finalize a 2-1 victory over Wisborg.

space

"You know what? This is exactly the game we need to be in to prepare for the post-season," remarked Wendt after the game. "Fans were in it. They're in playoff-mode already, and that's great. We held in there and despite being out-hit [36-20], we controlled the puck and kept pressure on them and put alot of rubber on their goalie. They scored late to make it close, but we didn't deflate and we just kept doing what we were doing and took two points out of it."

space

The win moved the Timberwolves up one spot in the overall rankings from sixth to fifth and within two points of the fourth seat.

space

"Just keep knocking out wins," said Wendt. "We want to climb as high as we can. But we really want to get going in the playoffs at full speed and with our game dialed in and be as healthy as possible." Part of being healthy is rest. In this game the Timberwolves sat Marc Savard, Rick Nash and captain, Keith Ballard. In Ballard's absence, Nick Schultz wore an 'A' along with Patrick Sharp and Mike Fisher.

space

The Timberwolves conclude their regular season on the road with back-to-back games on Monday against the eleventh ranked Beverly Hills Lawmasters and Tuesday against the seventeenth ranked North Dakota Ibex.

space

space3-STARS

space

space*Mark Streit [THU] - Power play goal

spac**Paul Kariya [THU] - 9 shots on goal

spa***Brian Elliott [THU] - 21 saves