SmartStop Post-Game Recap – Heartbreak in Kitchener
KITCHENER, ON – Angus MacDonell’s hat trick was not enough to lift the Mississauga Steelheads to victory as they lost 6-5 in overtime to the Kitchener Rangers on friday night.
The Steelheads (26-20-6-0) had another thrilling comeback attempt come just short, overcoming a 4-1 deficit to force overtime. This rally came just one game after the Steelheads forced overtime against Sudbury on Sunday after being down 4-0.
MacDonell led the charge with three goals, including the marker that tied the game at five. Luke Misa and captain Chas Sharpe also scored in the effort. Jack Ivankovic was spectacular in relief of Ryerson Leenders, making 24 saves.
The Rangers (33-19-2-0) relied on their stars to come out on top, with two goals from Matthew Sop, as well as goals from Carson Rehkopf and Hunter Brzustewicz. Simon Motew and Trent Swick also added tallies, and netminder Jackson Parsons made 37 saves.
The Rangers opened the scoring just 30 seconds into the game when Rehkopf broke into the offensive zone with speed and ripped a shot past Leenders for his 41st goal of the year.
Kitchener doubled their lead at the eight minute mark of the first period, when a Ranger cycle ended in a point shot from Motew that found its way through traffic and into the net.
The Rangers third goal occurred in the first minute of the second period, when an unfortunate miscue from Leenders saw Swick put the puck into an empty net shorthanded.
The Steelheads got one back four minutes later when they broke into the offensive zone with an advantage and Lucas Karmiris found MacDonell in front for a tip past Parsons and in.
Kitchener struck back right away, when Adrian Misaljevic got the puck back after an incredible save from Leenders and Sop banged in his rebound to make it 4-1. Ivankovic relieved Leenders after this goal.
Misa got the Steelheads back in the game with 9:58 remaining in the second when he took a pass from Porter Martone on the rush and snapped it past Parsons. The culmination of a strong shift was a much needed Mississauga goal.
25 seconds later, Karmiris found MacDonell sneaking past the defence at the blue line and he moved in on a breakaway and scored with a slick backhand move to pull the Steelheads within one.
Sharpe completed the comeback with 2:45 remaining in the wild period when his slot shot deflected off a Kitchener player and past Parsons.
The Rangers took the lead back just a minute later when a Brzustewicz wrist shot from the point found its way past a heavily screened Ivankovic.
At 13:23 of the third period, MacDonell completed his hat trick bid from right in front of the net to tie the game at five. His 24th of the season was a clutch goal for the Trout.
Sop’s overtime winner won Kitchener the extra point and the game.
Total Shots – MISS 42 / KIT 41
Three Stars:
- Angus MacDonell (3G)
- Carson Rehkopf (1G, 1A)
- Matthew Sop (2G)
The Steelheads play at home tomorrow, Saturday 17th at 4pm against the Kingston Frontenacs at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre. Buy your tickets here!