Bullfrogs Master the Rhinos, 9-1

ANAHEIM — Bullfrog Coach Brad McCaughey didn’t have any grand revelations about how his team dismantled the San Jose Rhinos, 9-1, in Game 1 of Roller Hockey International’s Western Conference finals.

“I know my team,” McCaughey said. “I’m pleased, not surprised. I know what these guys can do.”

The Bullfrogs, who finished second in the Western Conference, outplayed the first-place Rhinos in every facet of the game front of 6,509 Friday at the Pond.

Anaheim goalie David Goverde stopped 29 of 30 shots, shutting out San Jose in the second half, and only allowed a second-quarter goal to San Jose’s Jason Elders. Goverde was only fourth goalie to allow one goal in an RHI playoff game and there have been no playoff shutouts.

The Bullfrogs broke open the game by scoring four goals in four minutes in the fourth quarter. Glen Metropolit had two goals and two assists, Victor Gervais had a goal and three assists and Darren Perkins scored two goals for the Bullfrogs.

After the Bullfrogs’ fourth-quarter scoring outburst, the game dissolved into a series of scuffles that resulted in more than 80 minutes of penalties--including seven misconduct penalties.

The series concludes Monday in San Jose. If the Bullfrogs lose Game 2, they must win a 12-minute mini-game, which would immediately follow Game 2, to advance to next week’s RHI championship series.

San Jose goalie Joe Bonvie kept his team close in the first half, stopping 18 of 21 shots on goal.

Bonvie also made big saves on breakaway scoring chances by Anaheim’s Brent Thurston, Jim Ficenec and Metropolit, but the Rhinos, playing without leading scorer Radek Hamr who left the team to play ice hockey in Sweden, couldn’t muster enough offense.

“Bonvie kept them in it early but Grover made some big saves for us too,” said McCaughey, who had been alternating Goverde with four-year Bullfrog Rob Laurie. “I’ve decided to stick with Grover until he gives me a reason not to.”

Goverde wasn’t the only Bullfrog player who was sharp Friday. Every skater scored for Anaheim and the team converted on four of six power plays.

Notes

Todd Wetzel, who had three assists along with Sean Whyte Friday, has played his last game this season for the Bullfrogs. He is leaving to play ice hockey in Germany. During the regular season, Wetzel was the team’s second-leading scorer. . . . Team captain B.J. MacPherson, who has been out since suffering an ankle injury in the regular season finale Aug. 9 in Sacramento, could be ready to replace Wetzel when the series concludes Monday in San Jose.