Franchise Hockey 9 Lincoln 0
Franchise Hockey bettered Lincoln in every possible aspect, as they improved their record to 3-2. The Franchise kept the puck in Lincoln's zone for almost the entire game, which was conceded by the eight goal rule, midway through the second period. Stanzler hardly broke a sweat, as his defensive corp was solid in front of him.
The offense was in high hear, despite playing without Robby Merk and Brian Reich who have accounted for five goals this season. Picking up the slack was the deadly trio of Rowland, Matt King and Kris Anderson. King, who finished with two goals and four assists, tallied the game's opening goal on a backhand from the deep slot. Rowland followed, burying his tenth of the season off a faceoff win.
The Franchise would make quick work of Lincoln in the second period. King beat the goaltender with a quick wristshot, taking a long outlet pass from Cam Rowland. Myles Rowland and Sheraj Ragoobeer capped off an offensive zone flurry to make the score 4-0. Rowland tallied his hat trick marker on a beautiful breakway backhand tuck, after King and Chris Cornelius combined on a defensive zone steal.
Anderson added two quick goals, including a wristshot that Cornelius set up with a long pass. Following Anderson's tenth of the season was one of the more memorable plays of the season. Myles Rowland and King collided. King kept his balance and stickhandled past Lincoln. Meanwhile, Rowland went to the front of the net where he took King's pass and jammed home his team-leading thirteenth goal of the year.
In garbage time, Cam Rowland scored his third of the year with his brother picking up the assist.
Franchise Hockey's third win and first shutout of the season was the highlight of the night. However, the team did not seem content to rest on its laurels. Next Saturday, the team will see Overfelt for the second time this season.
Box Score:
1st Period:
King 6 (Anderson)
M. Rowland 10 (King)
2nd Period:
King 7 (C. Rowland, Anderson)
M. Rowland 11 (Ragoobeer, King)
M. Rowland 12 (Cornelius, King)
Anderson 9 (M. Rowland)
Anderson 10 (Cornelius)
M. Rowland 13 (King)
3rd Period:
C. Rowland 3 (M. Rowland)
Goaltending:
Stanzler 3-2 (0 GA)
Captain's Thoughts:
Ahh, how sweet wins like those are. Basically, it was the perfect way to respond from last week's heartbreaker. And, of course, our statistics sure didn't mind.
It's been a long time coming (well maybe not a really long time), but Mikey picked up his first career shutout. Talking to our favorite referee, there was just shock over how quickly Mikey has progressed into the second-coming of Vesa Toskala. As usual, Mikey is just leaps and bounds ahead of the opposition mentally.
Our defense was absolutely spectacular. With help from the forwards, we completely owned the neutral zone. That sort of attention to detail (just like Myles suggested) was key. Not to name names but...Chris C was a catalyst all night with his breakout passes and two assists. Cam, too, was pushing the puck up ice all night and finished with a goal and an assist. Sheraj, as always, was flawless with his skating and passing. Ray had his strongest game to date, winning every battle in the corner.
And the offense? Average. Haha, I love playing with Myles and Kris. Myles is one of those playmakers who's always looking to pass, but somehow ends up leading the team with thirteen goals. And Kris completely takes over games with his aggressive forecheck and competitiveness.
But, just when the sun is shining over FranchiseLand, Overfelt is back next week. has anyone forgot our 4-1 loss?
I'll see you guys Tuesday night for gametape and pizza.-
Your Captain
#37