Calgary Canucks goaltender Julian Molinaro continues to thrive in the postseason.

Calgary Canucks goaltender Julian Molinaro knows what it takes to reach the Centennial Cup.

He did it last year with the Collingwood Blues of the Ontario Minor Hockey League. That's a big reason why the Canucks signed him in the offseason, and Molinaro thinks the Canucks have the team to get there this year.

“We have a great group,” said the 20-year-old.

“Really good coaches who have set up a good system and feel something right about our group. We feel like we're destined for something, so we want to keep the momentum going.”

A big-time playoff player

Molinaro came as advertised. He's a goalie that makes a difference, especially come playoff time.

He played in all 13 of the Canucks' playoff games and has a 10-3 record with a 2.50 goals-against average.

Head coach Brad Moran says that's a big reason why his team is just two wins away from winning the AJHL championship.

“He's our best player,” Moran said.

“The best goalkeeper in the league and he showed it. I think it's his behavior. His attitude every day and that rubs off on guys. They are sure that if we make a mistake, he is with us, and if he makes a mistake, we are with him. I think the feeling and experience he can bring at this stage of the season is the main reason we brought him here.”

He changed his path

Molinaro believes in his leadership, but says he has changed a lot this season.

According to him, he used to have many superstitions, but he has reduced them considerably.

“I have a really good mental coach, Dr. Alicia Nasser, and the first time I went with her, we went through everything I do before a game and it was like three pages of superstitions,” Molinaro said.

“I changed my path and shortened it. Before the games, I became more relaxed. “I used to not talk to anyone on game days, which is what Billy Smith (former New York Islanders goaltender) used to do, but now I'm more relaxed and less weird,” he laughed.

“Yeah, I think it's better for my teammates because they can talk to me on game days instead of being bullied. It just makes it easier to work in the room and I can joke around a little bit before the game and not worry about the result on the ice because I'm ready to go.”

In the driver's seat

After two impressive wins to start the series at Whitecourt, the Canucks took two games to none in the series.

Molinaro says he and his teammates don't get too ahead of themselves.

“I would say we're confident because we've got two wins, but we're not going to change the way we're going to start tonight,” he said.

“We're going to play like we're down and keep that desperation and fire inside of us and not worry about the score of the series and just keep going. Just like any other game in this series, take it one game at a time.

Game three is Tuesday night at Max Bell's Ken Bracco Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. Game Four is Wednesday night, also at Ken Bracco Arena.