Forward Combos:
Nigro, Martindale, Nesbitt (starting forwards)
Smith, Lindsay, Toffoli
Sointu, Merrett, Carnevale
Graovac, Janes, Peters
D-pairs
Zanetti, Cuma (starting D)
Demers, Gibbons
Hartwick, Ceci
Goal: Perugini
Scratches: Cowick, Birkhoff, Hanes
This was a fast, fast game. The first period went by quickly as I think there were only 5 whistles for the entire 20 minutes. There were a couple of times where it seemed like play went on for a few minutes before getting a whistle.
There was lots of end to end action with each team doing a good job of preventing the other one capitalizing on their rushes.
Both teams had their chances but it was the Whalers who got on the board first when Panthers prospect A.J. Jenks found the rebound at the top of the crease and just lobbed it over a sprawled Perguini. Shots were 9 - 6 at this point in favour of Plymouth.
Ottawa got that back with just 51 seconds left in the period when Dalton Smith capitalized on a misplayed puck by Jordon in neurtal zone creating a two-on-one with Smith and Lindsay. Dalton put it over the shoulder of Hackett to tie it up. Tyler Toffoli and Mark Anthony Zanetti assisted.
The second period didn't start so well for Ottawa as the Whalers scored on their first two shots on goal. The first was a tic-tac-toe play among Brittain, Seguin and McCauley who put it past Perugini. The Whalers' next, and eventually final, goal came on the powerplay just over two minutes later. Schmitz's shot from the point got past a screened Perugini.
A two-goal deficit did not phase the 67s and they came right back with a couple of good attacks. They kept the Whalers off the scoresheet for the rest of the period.
The came the third period. Whatever was said in the locker room, it worked. Not only did the 67s score 3 unanswered goals, they completely shut down the Whalers, limiting them to just 3 shots on goal for the entire period - including the final minute when Hackett was pulled for the extra attacker.
The comeback started with Tyler Toffoli's PPG with a shot from the slot that beat Hackett blocker side. Anthony Nigro and Julien Demers with the assists.
Then, just past the halfway mark of the period, hard work along the boards by Ryan Martindale and Travis Gibbons sprung the puck to Thomas Nesbitt who beat Hackett short side, possibly off a Whaler stick, to tie up the game.
And the game winning goal was a fast one off the faceoff when Andrew Merrett drew the puck back to Mark Anthony Zanetti who's shot ricocheted off a couple a players and beat Hackett.
The 67s kept driving for the next goal and completely smothering Plymouth's chances. And the take the game with a score of 4 - 3 and final shots 33-20.
Click here for the game sheet.
Random Thoughts:
- This was one of the best team games I've seen from the 67s in a long time. It seens like things are solidifying for these guys.
- Cody Linsday was a face-off-winning machine! Would be interesting to see the stats but it seemed he won way more than he lost (if any).
- Top prospect, Tyler Seguin, was limited to one point. It was his first game after missing 4 due to an injury. Up to this point he was averaging 2 points per game.
- That missed hit from behind on Smith will likely result in a conversation with the referees. Fortunately Smith was not seriously injured (that we can tell). But it did fire up the team.
- There was some pain in the win: Toffoli was hit in the foot by a hard shot from Demers and he took a stick in the face right in front of a ref (no call) and Lindsay took a nasty hit on the knee from Brittain. Both returned to the ice.
- Cody Ceci has been named to Ontario's U-17 team. The tournament takes place in Timmons in December.
- Dylan Anderson has been assigned to the Gloucester Rangers of the CJHL.
More Pictures:
2 comments:
Great game, Great company.Great photos! Good job Blitzen!
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it!
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