Nitro's lose Game #1 to Creston 4-1

The juggernaut offensive squad Creston Valley Thunder Cats were held to four goals, that's three less than their previous series average and about 1.5 less than their season average. However, the Nitro's were only able to score once and lost the game 4-1.

Creston Valley peppered Mousseau with 40 shots, and a good chunk of those were quality chances, because when you have 10 powerplay's, you get a lot of shots on net.

All 873 fans that attended the game must have slipped the ref at least a dollar, because the officiating was lopsided. Even the Creston webcast play-by-play commentator said that the ref had made some interesting calls. I would have liked to track how many times he said "Nitro player tripped up, no call" or "Nitro player taken down, no call". When you look at the penalties the Cats got, they were the 'must call' calls, such as goaltender interference (which Buckley returned the favor), hitting from behind, and boarding (which was only given 2 minutes, should have been more!). But the Nitro's were constantly called for slashing and tripping, which are calls that are always up for interpretation.

The Nitro's did a lot of shot-blocking while on the penalty kill. I didn't catch who got the puck in the wrist, but I saw Gray take a slap shot in the chest. WAIT! Is this how Creston is going to win the series?!?!?! Get the ref to give you 10 powerplay's so that you can, not just score goals, but slowly take the Nitro's out by smashing the puck into the players. Sounds ridiculous, I know, but I smell a conspiracy (separate from the controversy in the Beaver Valley and Nelson series).

Buckley scored the Nitro's only goal on a rebound into a wide open net. Mousseau made 36 saves, and prevented the score from reaching Columbia Valley levels. But for me, the Nitro's Player of the Game goes to Gray (and the whole defensive group) for the job on the PK killing penalties and blocking shots.

The Nitro's and the Cats play again tonight in Creston. We have won twice in their barn, so it will be another entertaining game! Go Nitro's!