In this game, the problem is not that the Bandits didn't play well... it's that the WRONG Bandits played well.
Clearly motivated by not having been their Bandit counterparts in 5
tries this season, the Orange Bandits came out playing determined
hockey. Meanwhile, coming off by far their most impressive win of the
season, too many Black Bandits seemed to take the night off. Sloppy
play, especially in the defensive zone, was costly, leading to chances
and goals that never should have been.
After the Orangemen jumped out to a 1-0 lead on a late powerplay in the first, the Bandits bounced back to tie the game on a nice goal by Patrick, who rushed the puck from his own end, gave a tape-to-tape pass to Lucas, who then rifled a low shot. That shot didn't go in, but did result in a nice fat rebound that a hard-driving Patrick shoved back into the net. Hockey 101, Boys!
But that was the game's lone highlight, though Justis and Josh both had several near misses. The second goal by the Orangemen was the result of a bad turn-over in our end, as was the third. And then a final, last-minute empty net goal sealed the team's fate.
The Team's Three Stars:
#1. Patrick for the Black Bandit's only goal and making several good defensive plays, including one stop of a goal otherwise destined for an open net.
#2. Lucas, for a nice assist and leading the team with 5 shots
#3. Justis and Josh who, despite the absence of Jake, worked well together to create several good chances.
Next game is a rematch against the Orangemen, Friday night at Nichols Arena @ 8:30. Let's hope the Bandits that won against North show up for that game.