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nivek_wahs
03-13-2007, 02:59 AM
http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/news/sports/story.html?id=f49b78a7-d56b-4e3c-b9f8-d8ac7ec5a8ec


Pats won't be horsing around with Broncos

Tim Switzer, The Leader-Post
Published: Tuesday, March 13, 2007

A 6-2 record over the Swift Current Broncos doesn't mean much to Regina Pats forward Kyle Ross.

The Broncos wrapped up third place in the WHL's East Division and a first-round playoff date with the second-place Pats after a 2-1 win over the Prince Albert Raiders on Sunday.

The best-of-seven Eastern Conference quarterfinal begins March 23 in Regina.

But even though Regina had the advantage in the season series, no one in the Pats' dressing room is putting much stock in it, particularly since two of those wins came in the first three weeks of the season.

"They've been playing pretty good as of late," said Ross, 20. "We had a good record against them, but all that really matters is how you're playing the last couple weeks.

"We're a lot different team than we were in September."

Of the teams' eight meetings this season, only two were decided by a single goal -- one going each way. The rest saw either team win by at least three goals.

In their latest meeting, a 5-2 Pats win Wednesday, the teams combined for 84 penalty minutes in the third period. The consequences of four fights provided the bulk of that total.

With three games left in the regular season for the Pats, Ross admits he is already thinking about the playoff matchup.

"It's in the back of your mind," said Ross. "These last few games will be important to get some momentum, but other than that, we want to be focused on getting ready for the postseason."

Asked how much the team starts preparing for the Broncos with more than a week left before the series, Pats head coach Curtis Hunt's answer was simple: None.

"Our focus is how we play against Prince Albert (Wednesday) primarily and from there the (weekend) Brandon series," said Hunt. "Then we'll get our guys dialed in to that next opponent."

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PLAYOFF SCHEDULE

Pats vs. Broncos

First-Round Playoff Dates

Fri., March 23: Swift Current at Regina, 7 p.m.

Sat., March 24: Swift Current at Regina, 7 p.m.

Tues., March 27: Regina at Swift Current, 7:30 p.m.

Weds., March 27: Regina at Swift Current, 7:30 p.m.

Fri., March 30: Swift Current at Regina, 7 p.m. (if necessary).

Sun., April 1: Regina at Swift Current, 7 p.m. (if necessary).

Tues., April 3: Swift Current at Regina, 7 p.m. (if necessary).




© The Leader-Post (Regina) 2007