By Ian McNaughton

It could all end tonight, or we can see another three more games. That’s the storyline heading into Game 5 of the 2019 Mann Cup tonight as the Peterborough Lakers look to clinch their third straight Mann Cup while the Victoria Shamrocks aim to stay alive for another day. The Lakers have won the last three games while outscoring the Rocks 29-24 in those games. We’ll see if Peterborough can keep up their scoring advantage in the third game in three nights for these teams. 

Last night, the Lakers led by as much as 8-3 in the third period before the Rocks made a comeback to fall short 8-6. The key to this series so far has been the faceoffs and time of possession in favour of Peterborough. Jake Withers has a faceoff percentage of almost 70% this series, and that has helped the Lakers control possession and, in turn, the series. Don’t be shocked to see him manage the draws again on Wednesday. 

On offense, Shawn Evans has been on an absolute tear this series. Evans has four goals and fourteen assists for the Lakers and is now second on the all-time Mann Cup scoring list with 175 points. He’s just 29 points away from tying John Tavares for the all-time scoring record, but it’s winning his seventh career Mann Cup that Evans has his mindset on tonight. 

Since losing dropping their two-goal lead at the end of Game 2, the Shamrocks haven’t had much momentum. Victoria was mounting a substantial comeback in Game 4, but they just ran out of time to make it happen. The offense has been outshot by double-digits in every game and has to be nearly perfect to have a chance at winning tonight. Connor Robinson and Tyson Gibson are tied for the team lead in points with 14. 

The goaltender will be an unknown coming into tonight’s game. Pete Dubenski has been the starter all season but was pulled in favour of Cody Hagedorn in the second period of Game 4. In relief, Hagedorn stopped all 17 of the Lakers shots faced and could very well get the start tonight. It could also be a night where both netminders make appearances Victoria. 

Game 5 of the 2019 Mann Cup Presented by Island Savings will go Wednesday night at The Q Centre. Tickets are still available for purchase while you can see every game live on WLA TV!