Bulldogs host Clippers tonight, Marcello Ranallo interview

It's right back at it for both sides tonight for Game 4 of this best-of-seven series as the Bulldogs again host the Clippers at the Dog Pound. 

The Bulldogs trail for the first time in the series, and the Clippers lead it for the first time after a 3-2 win last night in overtime

It will be interesting to see how the Bulldogs react to the situation of trailing for the series for the first time. I was somewhat expecting that they might have been tight and feeling the nerves making their home debut last night, but they certainly didn't look that way out of the gate or throughout the game. No doubt playing in the pressure filled games down the stretch in just making the playoffs has helped them in that regard. Here's hoping that they can feed off the pressure and use it as motivation for that extra little bit to push them over the top to even the series tonight and force a Game 6 back at the Dog Pound on Saturday night. Getting off to a good start - not just in how they play but on the scoreboard - will no doubt go a long way. Last night marked the third game in a row in the Dog Pound going back to the regular season that the Clippers jumped out to multi-goal leads in the first period of play. That's a good recipe for success, and a tough way to win, although it was nice to see the Dogs fight back to even the score and give themselves a chance. 

There's plenty of things that could be improved upon and tweaked, but the easiest answer to where the Dogs need to be better would be on the special teams situations. They won game one of the series, and won the special teams battle scoring on the power play and going perfect on the penalty kill. They lost the special teams battle over the last two games, and it played a big part in the final score. I thought they made some positive steps on the power play last night, and their kill looked especially solid at key moments. Having said all of the above, nothing in the past means absolutely anything come puck drop tonight. It should be another fun one to watch in what's always a fantastic atmosphere. 

All the action from the Dog Pound can be heard on your trusty radio and also your computer or smartphone on Pacific Chevrolet Bulldogs Hockey on 93.3 The Peak, with the preagame show kicking off the broadcast at 6:45 and the game action to follow at approximately 7:00pm. Myself, Dan Tisserand and Bruce MacDonald comprise the broadcast crew as Bruce provides the colour and analysis while Dan compiles team and player stats and I call the play-by-play. 

If you aren't in listening range of 93.3 The Peak FM you can listen to/watch the game by:

Listening Live on your computer: 93.3 The Peak FM
Listening Live on your smartphone: Tune In Radio
Watching Live on your computer/smartphone: Fast Hockey 

Tonight's 2nd Intermission guest is former Bulldog Marcello Ranallo, who is currently playing in Italy's Serie A with Cortina SG after a four year NCAA career with UConn.

Marcello is in a unique role, as he is not only playing but also coaching Cortina's Junior team.

Hammer