SmartStop Post Game Recap – Brampton Steelheads Rally for 2-1 Comeback Win Over London Knights
London, ON – The Brampton Steelheads scored a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over the London Knights tonight, overcoming an early deficit to secure their second win of the season.
The Brampton Steelheads hit the road tonight for a 7:00 PM battle against the London Knights at Canada Life Place.
Just 2:20 into the game, the Steelheads went shorthanded as Troy Patton was sent off for hooking.
The Knights’ Jaxon Cover was later called for hooking at 4:17 as well, leading to 4-on-4 action before the Steelheads earned a power play opportunity.
It was a back-and-forth stretch of penalties in the opening 10 minutes, as Troy Patton was sent off again, this time for high-sticking, putting the Steelheads back on the penalty kill 7:53 into the first. The Knights capitalized on the man advantage, with Jared Woolley firing one past Zach Bowen from the high slot to make it 1-0 9:49 into the period.
The Steelheads were unable to stay out of the penalty box, as Luke Dragusica was called for holding shortly after, giving London another chance with the man advantage.
The Steelheads had a chance to respond on the power play after Rene Van Bommel was called for goalie interference at 15:16, but they came up short.
After a physical, penalty-filled opening frame, the teams headed to the locker room with the Knights holding a slim 1-0 lead and a 9-4 advantage in shots.
The Steelheads opened the second period with strong momentum, recording the first three shots on goal and controlling the early play. The Knights managed just one shot on Zach Bowen in the opening five minutes.
Despite their strong play, the Steelheads were unable to convert several quality scoring chances. Aleksei Medvedev stood tall for the Knights, turning aside every attempt as Brampton continued to apply pressure.
After a slow start to the second period, penalty troubles continued. The Trout found themselves shorthanded, as Justin Bottineau was sent off for tripping 13:32 into the period.
The advantage for the Knights quickly shifted as some brief 4-on-4 action occurred with Jared Woolley headed to the box for boarding. The Steelheads then went on a two-man advantage at 15:53 after Linus Funck was called for delay of game, giving Brampton another chance to tie the game. Despite the several opportunities, the Steelheads were unable to find the back of the net.
Brampton headed into the third period with optimism after generating strong possession and several scoring chances. The Knights, meanwhile, looked to protect their lead after being outshot 12-3 in the frame.
The Knights started the third period strong, as Jaxon Cover earned a breakaway chance but was denied by former London Knight Zach Bowen.
The Steelheads were not rattled by the Knights’ early aggressive play. At 5:44 into the final frame, Julian Demiglio broke the goalless drought for Brampton, tying the game 1-1.
Tensions rose with the game tied, as the Steelheads pushed for their second win of the season while the Knights desperately sought their first.
Brampton went on the power play at 7:36 of the frame after Braiden Clark was called for cross-checking, giving the Steelheads a chance to take the lead.
Though they couldn’t convert on the man advantage, Brampton struck just over two minutes later, as Gabe Chiarot’s goal at 9:53 put them ahead.
With five minutes remaining, the Knights generated several strong scoring chances, but Brampton’s defense held firm. Ty Daniels made a key block, and the Knights also came up short on an open-net opportunity.
After weathering the Knights’ late pressure, the Steelheads held strong and kept up their attack, capping off an exciting 2-1 comeback victory.
Brampton returns to the ice tomorrow at 4 PM at the CAA Centre for Country Night, taking on the Peterborough Petes.
Three Stars of the Game
- Gabriel Chiarot (GWG)
- Julian Demiglio (1G)
- Jared Woolley (1G)
Shots:
BRAM 25 / LDN 16
