SmartStop Post-Game Recap – A Back and Forth Affair
The Steelheads and 67’s had an offensive battle with several lead changes, but Mississauga ultimately dropped the game 6-5.
First Period
Mississauga came into Friday night’s tilt against the Ottawa 67’s looking to build some momentum into the final stretch of the regular season. The Steelheads started off strong, as Max Dodig opened the scoring with his fifth of the year 31 seconds into the contest on a nice assist from Jake Uberti.
The Trout had a strong defensive period as they crowded the middle of the ice, funneling Ottawa’s scoring chances to the outside. However, a little over halfway through the period, Ottawa tied the game up with a Brady Stonhouse goal on a Tyler Boucher rebound.
Steelheads’ netminder Joe Ranger made some key saves throughout the period. He was able to turn aside a shot from the 67’s Luca Pinelli, keeping the game tied 1-1 headed into the second period.
Shots on Goal – 7 OTT/8 MISS
Second Period
The Steelheads looked to regain control of the game in the second period. About six minutes into the frame, however, Chris Barlas was able to bang one home in front of the net, giving Ottawa a 2-1 lead. A few minutes later, Owen Beck was called for a hooking penalty, but the Steelheads’ penalty killers were up to the task, keeping it a one goal game.
Moments after Beck was released from the box, he picked the pocket of a 67’s defenceman and drove up the ice. Beck found Zakary Lavoie for a one-timer, which he deposited into the back of the net for his 21st of the season, tying the game at two.
With just over three minutes remaining, Ottawa was able to capitalize on the man-advantage. Jack Beck walked into the slot and snuck one past Ranger, giving the 67’s a one goal lead once again.
However, the Trout were able to stay in the game. Owen Beck won a faceoff cleanly back to Evan Brand, who wired a point shot past Ottawa goalie Will Cranley for his fourth of the season to tie the game.
Shots on Goal – 8 OTT/8 MISS
Third Period
The back and forth play continued, leading to an exciting and eventful final frame. Just four minutes into the period, Boucher scored on a Matthew Mayich rebound to take the lead. Moments later, Luca DelBelBelluz circled the offensive zone with patience, eventually finding James Hardie who made no mistake, potting his 36th of the season. Ty Collins also picked up an assist on the play.
Both teams kept on fighting as the period went on. Vinzenz Rohrer quickly answered Hardie’s goal with one of his own to give Ottawa the lead once again. Just over three minutes later, Hardie was able to score his second of the period off a clean face-off win from DelBelBelluz to tie the game once again. 19 seconds later, Brady Stonehouse was able to bury a loose puck in front of the net to give Ottawa a 6-5 lead with about five minutes remaining in the game.
With under two minutes to play in regulation, Mississauga pulled Ranger looking for some offense with the extra attacker. Their best chance with the man advantage came with only a few seconds remaining in the game when DelBelBelluz cut to the net, but the puck rolled just wide.
Shots on Goal – 20 OTT/6 MISS
Total Shots – 35 OTT/22 MISS
Three Stars:
- Brady Stonehouse (1G, 1A)
- Tyler Boucher (1G, 2A)
- James Hardie (2G)
The Steelheads look to get back into the W column on Sunday when they take on the Sudbury Wolves at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre.
