Improving Wildcats Now One Point From Playoffs [VIDEO]

Wilmington boys hockey head coach Steve Scanlon has been frustrated at times throughout the season. But after a win over visiting Winchester on Wednesday, Scanlon's charges are now one point from being able to take those frustrations out against foes in the postseason.

Defenseman Brian Pickett's wrister found the back of the net with 9:21 left in the third period to break a 1-1 tie, and the Wildcats went on to a 2-1 win.

It was the 10th time in 14 games this season Wilmington has had a game decided by one goal or less. The latest closely contested win propelled the locals to 8-3-3 on the season.

"We didn't come into the season thinking or defense was going to keep us in the games," said Pickett. "We thought the forwards were going to score all the goals and they'd be high scoring games. The defense has learned to grind things out and get the win."

The team can now clinch a postseason berth on the road Saturday against Stoneham. Puck drops at 4 p.m.

"Sometimes in games like this you need goals from somewhere you don't normally get one, and (Pickett) got us a big one," said Scanlon, who said the close games will benefit the team in the long run. "Tougher competition just hardens you. It'll pay dividends in the tournament. We'll be a tough draw."