Mountain View 7 Franchise Hockey 4
With Mikey Stanzler unable to bail them out, the Franchise struggled to generate offense. Sako tied the game 1-1 in the first period on a crossing pass from King. He scored his second goal a period later, banking a wristshot off the Mountain View goalie's skate.
In the third, Franchise Hockey pulled to within a single goal. King skated into the offensive zone against two defenders and beat the goalie five-hole to make the score 5-3. Moments later, he banged home a rebound created by Sako.
However, things deteriorated from there. The defense was caught deep, and Stanzler lost his footing as Mountain View scored on the breakaway. They added one more goal, as Stanzler's goals-against-average continues to be above his average last season.
The Framchise was without it star defenseman Ragoobeer for most of the first period. Inspired defense by Chris Cornelius, Ray Cleverly and Cam Rowland kept the game under control.
Box Score:
1st Period:
Sako 1 (King)
2nd Period:
Sako 2 (Rowland, Cornelius)
3rd Period:
King 2 (Ragoobeer, Cornelius)
King 3 (Sako, Ragoobeer)
Goaltending:
Stanzler 0-2 (7 GA)
Captain's Thoughts:
Losing is always frustrating, but the big lesson to learn tonight is that maybe this team needs an identity change.
In the past, we've been a frantic, fast offensive squad. Maybe this year we need to slow the pace down, emphasize defense and really pick out spots to score. If anything, we've shown we're opportunistic and can bury our chances. Now the emphasis needs to be on defense.
Sako had a strong game, Chris C was very solid on defense, and our team had much more swagger and composure with Sheraj back. I think the key is to build Mikey's confidence back up by helping out on defense and really improving our dismal power play.
Things will get better.-
Your Captain
#37