In the midst of their worst losing streak since early 2013,
the Ottawa 67’s finally grabbed a much needed 2 points in a big 5-4 regulation win
against the division rival Peterborough Petes. Evan de Haan led the way with a
pair of goals and an assist to help snap a season high 6-game losing streak.
“Boy, (the win) was a long time coming. It wasn’t easy,”
said head coach Jeff Brown. “I’m really proud of our guys. I thought that when
they needed to step up and block shots and get in shooting lanes and get the
puck out, they sacrificed for one another and we needed it.”
The 67’s came out of the gate strong and dominated the first
16 minutes of the opening frame but turnovers in their own zone became costly
for both teams. Evan de Haan and Hunter Garlent exchanged first period goals
both capitalizing from a turnover. The late first period goal gave the Petes
life and Leo Lazarev had to be sharp in the 67’s net.
Josh Coyle got the Petes their first lead of the game midway
through the second, but that was short-lived. The floodgates started to open shortly
after. The 67’s found themselves up 5-2 late in the period after scoring 4 straight.
A blantant turnover leading to a Petes goal with 18 seconds remaining in the
second.
The goal didn’t help Matt Mancina’s cause who was pulled
from the Petes’ net to start the third after allowing 5 goals on 14 shots.
Kemptville native Eric Cornel got his team within 1-goal
early in the third period causing some flashbacks to the 67’s last game, and embarrassing
8-5 loss to the Soo Greyhounds. Despite a huge push by the Petes, the 67’s were
able to hang on for the 5-4 victory in regulation.
“I thought Wells came in a played really well for them. We
found a way at the end and guys sacrificed. There’s a lot of ice bags in there
tonight,” said Jeff Brown.
The 67’s are back at it tomorrow afternoon when they host a
depleted Kingston Frontenacs squad. It is a big opportunity for the 67’s to
gain back ground in the East Conference race.
“It’s huge (win before the break) and it makes tomorrow even
bigger,” said Brown. “You look at the standings and everything is so tight
there in the East, we can win tomorrow and we’re right back in the thick of
things and can enjoy our Christmas.“
Game summary here.
by Kathryn Jean
Follow her at @msconduct and us at @67sReport on Twitter.
No comments:
Post a Comment