Fit to Be Tied... Again! Bandits End Up Deadlocked vs. Oakridge
Another game! Another 2-2 tie! Another (consecutive) game in which the opposition's second goal likely shouldn't have counted! Last week, the puck slid UNDER an elevated post. This week, goalie interference, in the paint, seemed pretty obvious to everyone but the two referees! Oh well! Most of all, though, it was another game in which goal-tending saved the day, with Kyle once again robbing the opposition time and time and time again!
After playing much better defensively last week, it seemed that the team returned to its old ways of trying to do too much in our end or the neutral zone and coughing up the puck, leading to several point-blank scoring chances and breakaways for Oakridge. I continue to be EXTREMELY impressed with Caanan's play, however. Paired once again with Patrick, the two again worked together extremely well, calmly and efficiently getting the puck out of the zone to their forwards. Rarely spectacular... just sure and steady.
Dylan continued his excellent play of late, scoring a goal (assisted by Spencer and Ryan) and having several other excellent chances on 6 shots; but also passing the puck to create chances for others. The other goal, which gave the Bandits a 2-1 lead until Oakridge's controversial second goal, was by Cal, on feeds from Jackson and Tommy.
But it all came down, as usual, to Kyle who, again as usual, didn't disappoint, repeatedly foiling the Aeros on everything from breakaways, to odd-man rushes, point-blank shots and rebounds.
THREE STARS:
1. Kyle (a no-brainer choice; 26 saves on 28 shots, many of them spectacular)
2. Canaan and Patrick (very steady on defense; both +1)
3. Dylan (1G, 0A, 6 shots; flying all night).
Honorable mention: Andrew G (6 shots, numerous chances, always skating hard); Spencer, Jackson.
Next game is next Sunday, February 7th, 9:30 @ Nichols vs. Bandits D.
For stats, go to: https://ballcharts.com/team/?team=banditsmidgethockey&pg=stats
Article by KP White