Feb 16, 2013 | KWhite | 682 views
Bandits Shock North, 4-2
Two games, same teams, same rink, 4 days apart. In the first game, though the Bandits played a spirited game and were only down 3-2 late in the second period, they were tired (only 10 skaters) and became sloppy. Ultimately, North came on for a convincing 6-2 win. But that was then. Tonight, the Bandits had 13 skaters, and it was North who seemed tired. Playing with determination that we've seen flashes of from time to time this year, but rarely sustained, the Bandits played one of their best games of the season to win, 4-2, and clearly frustrate their cross-town rivals.
It was Austin who opened the scoring, pushing that monkey off his back to score his first goal of the season after numerous close calls the past few games. North tied it late in the period; but then Justis scored his second goal in as many games on a nifty backhand through the goalie's five-hole that clearly took him by surprise. North again tied it late. But then our AP defenseman Ryan H took over in the third to score two goals, a high floater from the point that went in off the goalie's shoulder, and a hard slapper from the circle that trickled in under the goalie's arm-pit. Of course, none of this would have meant anything had Dylan not withstood a fierce North London onslaught in the 2nd period, turning aside 13 of 14 shots, several while sprawled on his back... shades of Dominik Hasek. As the final buzzer sounded, several North players slammed their sticks down hard against the ice... they'd suffered their first Western Division loss of the season, their only previous tie having been again... well... us.
Three stars:
1. AP player Ryan H scored two goals that were the difference, and was +2 on the night
2. Justis scored his second goal in two games and added two assists
3. The line of Justis, Josh and Jake was dangerous all game... the best any line has played all year. They had North consistently on their heels; the line combined for 7 points
Dylan was brilliant in net, and the rest of the team played extremely well too. It was a huge win against a tough opponent that should make this team start to believe in itself.