Ottawa. The arena is smaller than Boston, but the energy is just as intense. Canadian hockey fans don't mess around. We're riding high from the Boston win on a five-game streak. The guys are confident. Maybe too confident.
"Don't get cocky," I tell them in the locker room before the game. "Ottawa's good. They're fast. They'll capitalize on every mistake."
"We got this, Cap," Pierre says.
"I know we do. But we earn it. No shortcuts," I warn them.
Coach Anderson nods his approval.
We head out.
The game is tight from the start. Ottawa scores first. We're down 1-0 by the end of the first period.
In the locker room, Coach is calm. "Stay disciplined. The goals will come."
Second period, Felix ties it up. 1-1.
Then Pierre scores. 2-1.
The momentum shifts. We're in control now.
Third period, Sully gets an assist on a goal by Bouch. 3-1.
Ottawa pulls their goalie with two minutes left, desperate for the tie. Pierre intercepts and shoots from center ice.
Empty net goal again.
4-1.
Six wins in a row.
The locker room is electric, guys are screaming, hugging. This is the streak we needed going into the final stretch of the season.
"Six!" Fish yells.
"Unstoppable!" Bouch adds.
I'm grinning, I can't help it, and this is what we've been working for.
My phone buzzes.
Joelle: Six in a row. You're on fire.
Emmett: Teams on fire. So are your brothers.
Joelle: They are. But also, don't be modest. You had two assists tonight.
Emmett: We're heading home tomorrow.
Joelle: I know.
Emmett: Can you come to my house for dinner?
Joelle: Dinner?
Emmett: It's long overdue.
Joelle: Okay.
