Bullfrogs, Blades Start Playoff Series

The Bullfrogs will play host to a Roller Hockey International playoff game when their rivals, the Blades, visit The Pond tonight for Game 1 of the Pacific Division finals.

The teams split their regular-season series, 2-2, but the Blades have taken the edge recently. Los Angeles won the last two meetings and finished first in the division. The Bullfrogs finished third.

“Now we know who the real best team in the league is,” said Blades Coach Bobby Hull Jr. after Los Angeles beat the defending RHI champions July 23.

Blade goalie Max Mikhailovsky has led the way, making 97 saves in a 7-4 victory, July 23, and an 8-5 victory, Aug. 3.

“There’s some bad blood between the teams and some things have been said,” Bullfrog Coach Grant Sonier said. “But they can throw whatever they want at us; we’ll be ready for it.”

After winning only one of their last six regular-season games, the Bullfrogs have come on strong in the playoffs.

Victor Gervais has five goals and three assists to lead an offense that has converted on eight of 10 power plays. On defense, goalie Rob Laurie has been sharp, stopping 77 of 88 shots in the Bullfrogs two first-round victories over San Jose.

Game 2 of the Pacific Division finals is Wednesday at the Forum. If the teams split the two games, a 12-minute mini-game will follow the second game to determine which team will advance to the Western Conference finals.