SmartStop Post-Game Recap – High Spirits
Ryerson Leenders’ incredible goaltending performance helps guide the Steelheads to a 4-3 victory over the Saginaw Spirit.
First Period
Stevie Leskovar’s return to the lineup was evident as he had a commanding physical presence from the moment he took the ice. The Steelheads took this welcome force in stride as Lucas Karmiris opened the scoring just under four minutes into the game, getting on top of a rebound and tucking it away. After a lengthy review, the goal would stand. Saginaw would capitalize on an opportunity only thirty seconds of game time later, bringing the score level.
The Steelheads would be awarded a powerplay just before the midway mark of the period, which would give Mason Zebeski the opportunity to score his second goal of the season, giving the Trout the lead once again. In the final minute of the period, Jakub Fibigr’s tenacity would see him take the puck up the ice himself, creating an opportunity born of his own effort, but the period would come to a close with the Steelheads leading 2-1.
Shots on Goal – 8 SGW/5 MISS
Second Period
In a spirited middle frame, Mississauga would find themselves on the penalty kill early. Ryerson Leenders stood strong, making a series of phenomenal saves to keep the Steelheads ahead. Saginaw would hit the iron but not convert on the powerplay. Stevie Leskovar sparked a dull play with his physicality, creating more tension between the teams, when Chas Sharpe put away his sixth goal of the season as he jumped on a loose puck in the paint.
After a series of penalties which would see a man advantage for each team as well as a period of four-on-four hockey, Lucas Karmiris was barely unable to put away an opportunity all alone in front of the net. On a late Mississauga penalty kill, the Spirit would cut the lead to one. The Steelheads lead 3-2 as they enter the second intermission.
Shots on Goal – 23SGW/8 MISS
Third Period
The third frame found both teams utilizing their special teams often, as there were seven penalties handed out in the third period. Saginaw would tie the game on a 5-on-3 opportunity but would not convert on the remaining part of their powerplay. Ryerson Leenders was a stable force between the pipes as he continued to shine in the midst of a flurry of dangerous Saginaw opportunities.
The score would remain at a deadlock until the final two minutes of the game, when Zander Veccia would tip in a shot from Parker Von Richter to regain the lead for the Steelheads. The Spirit pulled their goaltender with one minute remaining in regulation – the Spirit finding new life in the dying moments with the extra attacker, but the Steelheads would ultimately hold onto the lead, taking down the Saginaw with a final score of 4-3.
Shots on Goal – 13 SGW/8 MISS
Total Shots – 44 SGW/21 MISS
Three Stars:
- Zander Veccia (1G)
- Ryerson Leenders (41 SV, 3 GA)
- Luke Misa (3A)
The Steelheads are back in action at home tomorrow to face off against the Erie Otters. Get your tickets by clicking here.
