What was new was that Bandits A, which had six ties in their previous 8 games (1-1-6), finally had back-to-back wins for the first time since the first two games of the season, upping their season record to 6-4-7 and, at least temporarily - pending the outcome of the week's other two games, launched themselves up into third place in the division.
What was pretty much routine was that Kyle once again was spectacular in net, this time stopping 27 of 28 shots directed his way, the one exception being a fluky, very late goal that hit off the post, then hit his shoulder and trickled in. Otherwise, he was perfect.
Spencer again demonstrated his value by scoring two goals on five shots, the first on nice feeds from Kasey and Dylan, and the second on feeds from Kasey and Patrick, both in the second period to give the A team a 2-0 lead going into the final period. Then, while on a 6-minute penalty kill, Connor scored a goal into an essentially empty net after Ryan managed to block a clearing attempt by the E-team goalie, which deflected over to Connor, who rifled a perfect shot from a difficult angle to essentially ice the game.
THREE STARS:
1. Spencer (2 G, 0 A, +1, 5 shots; dangerous all game, especially when paired with Kasey)
2. Kyle (ho hum... again spectacular in net with 27 saves in 28 shots, again proving his status as the best goalie, BY FAR, in the division)
3. Kasey (0G, 2 A, +1, 3 shots; becoming a real play-maker in recent games, including 4 assists over his last two games)
Honorable mention: The defensive pair of Cal (0G, 0A, +3) and Patrick (0G, 1A, +1, 1 shot; leads team in season +/- at +12), who gave the opposition few chances and almost no odd-man rushes while defending; Connor (1G, 0A, +1, 3 shots; skated hard to be in the right place at the right time); Dylan (0G, 1A, +2, 4 shots), other than an ill-advised 6-minute penalty in the third period, was dangerous offensively AND the best back-checker among all the forwards, playing an excellent 2-way game; Ryan (0G, 1 A, +1, 2 shots), whose hard work was largely responsible for the team's 3rd goal.
Next game: Feb 21st, 9:30 PM at Argyle Arena vs. Bandits B.
Article by KP White
For individual stats, click HERE