Overfelt 4 Franchise Hockey 1
After giving up a goal on the first shift of the game, ending Mikey Stanzler's shutout streak, the Franchise finally got their legs under them. With Robby Merk and Brian Reich playing in their first games of the year, the Franchise got its only goal in the first period. After missing the net on a breakaway, one of many scoring chances Matt King failed to convert on, King threw a perfect centering pass in front of the net. The result was Myles Rowland's team-leading fifth goal of the season, on a shot with so much velocity that the game had to be stopped to repair a hole in the net.
From there, however, things went downhill. The Franchise exited the first with a 2-1 deficit. Then, in the second period, they conceded a short-handed goal on a two-man advantage. With the forwards and defensemen getting caught deep, Stanzler was beat with a wrist shot top shelf.
In the third, the Franchise gave up a power play goal that sealed the game.
The game was marked by penalties to both teams. Reich's first shift ended with his first of two trips to the sin bin. Merk was penalized in the second period, leading to a four-on-two disadvantage that the Franchise killed off, for using a broken stick. Myles Rowland was penalized for a hit-from-behind in the first period that had the crowd buzzing. King picked up the first penalty of his career, after coming off the bench during a stoppage to be involved in an altercation in front of the Overfelt net.
Overall, the Franchise outshot Overfelt and had a slight advantage in puck possession. King and Rowland were buzzing all night in the offensive zone, and missed breakaways proved to be the difference in the final score.
Box Score:
1st Period:
M. Rowland 5 (King)
Goaltending:
Stanzler 1-1 (4 GA)
Captain's Thoughts:
After having watched the game on tape, I can see with complete certainty: we outplayed them. The Franchise had the puck most of the game, we passed well, we hit hard, and our goaltending was solid. The difference in the game was really the two breakaways I had.
One player doesn't make a team, but my missed shots really took the wind out of us tonight. If I bury a few of my chances and we execute better on the power play, this would have been a very different game.
As a team, we skated very well. Our passing looked crisp, but could definitely be improved. Our defense was tenacious, and we were blocking shots all night long.
Why did we lose? Inexperience.
We've been there before boys, and we know what it takes.
I'll see you at practice.-
Your Captain
#37