Menace Analyst - Mikayla Guarasci

Milton Menace Preview: Menace at Pickering Panthers, Round 1 Game 5 - March 17, 2023

The Milton Menace are headed to Pickering on Friday night for game five of their first-round series against the Pickering Panthers. The Menace lead the series 3-1, pushing the Panthers to the brink of elimination.

Throughout the series, the Menace have proven it’s never too late in the game for a comeback. In Wednesday’s game four, the team was down 4-0, 5-1 and went into the third period losing 5-2. Their offence exploded in the final 20 minutes, and Milton came all the way back to win 6-5 in regulation. Jared Coccimiglio, Aidan Hughes (2), Owen Forester, Cole Semeniuk and Myles Perry each scored for the Menace. Hughes, Forester and Lucas Buzziol all recorded three points. All of three Milton’s wins in this series have been come-from-behind victories.

After Wednesday’s game, Milton’s power play ranks first in league postseason statistics, operating at 35.7%. The Menace went 2-3 on the power play in game four and was a vital part of their comeback. Their penalty kill ranks ninth in the league at 80%. Success with special teams will continue to be important as the playoffs progress.

Aside from game three’s 4-0 loss, the Menace have played well in Pickering’s building all season. With the Panthers fighting for their playoff lives, it will be important for the Menace to start strong on Friday. The Panthers have scored first in all four games in the series and consistently have started the game well. Pickering will look to get ahead and hold on defensively, meaning it will be crucial that the Menace strike early and make the most of every offensive opportunity. If they want to end this series in five, Milton will need to play 60 minutes of solid team hockey.

Friday’s game is set to begin at 7:30 pm in Pickering. If you can’t make the trip, the game will be available on Hockey TV.