SmartStop Post-Game Recap – Coming Up Just Short
The Mississauga Steelheads faced off against the Erie Otters in a Monday afternoon tilt, but came up just short losing 2-1.
First Period
The Mississauga Steelheads traveled south of the border to take on the Erie Otters for their second matchup of the season.
The Steelheads faced some adversity early on in the game with Erie earning several power plays, however, the Otters came up short thanks to Steelheads goaltender Ryerson Leenders.
The Steelheads best chance in the first period was by newbie Adam Zidlicky in the first four minutes of the game, as he jumped out of the penalty box and headed on the breakaway towards Erie’s net, but came up just shy.
Both teams had some good opportunities, but neither was able to put the puck in the back of the net, leaving the game scoreless after 20 minutes of hockey.
Shots on Goal – 10 ER /5 MISS
Second Period
It was a busy period as things heated up for the Steelheads as the teams went head to head and exchanged penalty minutes.
Both teams saw players in the penalty box, which led us to some four-on-four hockey, but neither was able to capitalize. Shortly thereafter, the Steelheads found themselves with a two-man advantage for 38 seconds. While James Hardie and Luke Misa registered some shots on net, they could not get past Erie’s netminder.
Not long after returning to even strength, the Erie Otters got themselves on the board with a goal from Taeo Artichuk. Just a minute later, Kai Schwindt and Misa went on a two-on-one, but goaltender Kyle Downey secured the save for the Otters.
Late in the period, Bruce McDonald was able to put the puck in the back of the net to put the Otters up 2-0.
Shots on Goal – 10 AWAY/ 6 MISS
Third Period
With the last 20 minutes to go, the Steelheads fought hard both offensively and defensively to get the game back.
The Trout headed to an early power play, and had some exciting chances but could not get the puck past the goal line. Not for a lack of trying, as James Hardie nearly scored for the Blue and White but unfortunately hit the crossbar.
The Steelheads had another solid chance as the puck bounced off the stick of Brice Cookie but Downey held on for the Otters. Just past the halfway point of the period, the Erie Otters found themselves in some penalty trouble, when Hardie netted the rebound from Zander Veccia shots to cut the Otters lead in half. Kasper Larsen also got the assist. With this goal, the captain ties yet another franchise record for power play goals with 28.
Even though Mississauga fought hard to tie the game, the period came to a close with the Otters winning 2-1.
Shots on Goal – 6 AWAY/ 10 MISS
Total Shots – 26 AWAY/ 21 MISS
Three Stars:
- Taeo Artichuk (1G, 1A)
- Bruce McDonald (1G, 1A)
- Kyle Downey (20 Saves)
The Steelheads will be back on the road to play Niagara this Thursday before two games at home this weekend.
