Rangers Third Period Too Much For Colts

Friday night, the Colts continued their three-in-three weekend when they headed out on their only road game of the weekend to Kitchener. Their visit to the Kitchener Auditorium is the only time the Colts will play there this season, and the last time the two teams will meet this season. Midway through October, the Rangers visited the Barrie Molson Centre and handed the Colts a 3-1 loss.

Coming in to Friday night’s game, the Colts had won eight of their last nine games, and were riding a four game win streak, while the Rangers lost Thursday night taking on the Erie Otters.

The first 40 minutes of the game would see a scoreless tie, although there were plenty of chances at either end. The Rangers would ultimately get on the board first, and then extend their lead to 3-0 before the Colts could put up a goal of their own. Despite a late goal, the Colts couldn’t climb out of a 3-1 deficit and fell to the Rangers.

Brendan Lemieux had the lone goal, with Julius Nattinen and Brandon Prophet. In only his second start this season, rookie Ruan Badenhorst stopped 30 of the 33 shots he faced, while also stopping a second period penalty shot.

During a scoreless first period, both teams had their chances but were unable to finish.

After a Colts penalty expired seven and a half minutes into the game, the Colts had a great chance when Labanc broke into the Rangers zone and then dangled the Rangers defence. He fed the puck in the slot, but Radke and Murray couldn’t corral the loose puck to put it home.

The first period would see both teams throw 11 shots on net, but with two of the best defensive teams in the league, neither team could find the back of the net.

The second period would be much like the first, with both teams generating great chances, but no one being able to break the scoreless seal.

Before the halfway mark in the second period, the Rangers were awarded a penalty when Ryan MacInnis was taken down on a breakaway. However, MacInnis’ wrist shot missed the net and the game remained scoreless.

Early in the third period, the Rangers were pressuring and we’re close to scoring the first goal of the game. Adam Mascherin was waiting to the side of the goal and when the puck came through the slot, he just missed one timing it home. Moments later, the Rangers had another chance when Darby Llewellyn came around the net and found his own rebound. He took a step into the slot but his second chance was absolutely robbed with a big glove save from Badenhorst.

But the momentum would turn to the Rangers 5:50 into the third period. The Rangers broke the scoreless drought when Dmitrii Sergeev broke into the slot and fired home his second goal of the season. Jeremy Bracco and Ryan MacInnis assisted on the Rangers goal.

Then, with 8:10 to go in the game, the Rangers extended their lead to 2-0 when Gustaf Franzen notched his sixth goal of the season. After getting tripped up breaking into the Colts end, Franzen still drove to the net and his backhand just squeaked past Badenhorst. 

Less than three minutes later, the Rangers would again extend their lead to 3-0 when Brandon Robinson fed Bracco in the slot. Bracco made no mistake and fired home his fourth goal of the season. MacInnis also added an assist on the third Rangers goal.

On the power play with 2:45 left, the Colts nearly buried when Nattinen had a one-timer on the backdoor, but Rangers goalie, Luke Opilka was there to make the save. But, only 30 seconds later and on the power play, the Colts did beat Opilka when Lemieux ripped a shot from the slot for his 11^th goal of the season. Nattinen and Prophet had the assists on the Colts lone goal.

Despite pulling Badenhorst with a minute and half left in the game, the Colts weren’t able to cut the Rangers lead, and the game ended in a 3-1 Rangers win.

The Colts went 1 for 4 on their power play chances on the night, and didn’t give up a shorthanded goal on the Rangers two power play chances.

Saturday, November 28th, the Colts are back at the Barrie Molson Centre as they welcome the Niagara IceDogs for their third meeting this season. For tickets to the game, visit the BMC Box Office or online at www.ticketbreak.com.