The Steeldogs faithful braved the elements of Storm Bert and headed to the Bauer Arena for the second game of the season between these two teams, the Steeldogs and the Wildcats.
The previous encounter, back in October away, saw the Steeldogs take the game 3-1.
The Steeldogs’ coach gave the nod to Crowe to start between the pipes, with Rennie Marr getting the nod at the other end of the ice.
Period 1
The Steeldogs won the first faceoff and took the puck behind the goal to set up the first run towards the Wildcats’ goal, but it was turned over, and the Wildcats took possession.
The first shot on goal for the Wildcats came 1 minute and 30 seconds in, with the first save made and the rebound cleared nicely.
A big hit on the Steeldogs’ blue line by Tremblay on Plews was deemed clean and play continued.
The first whistle of the game came just shy of 5 minutes, with Pakozdi taking the puck over the blue line for an offside call.
The Steeldogs had a great shot from Tremblay, but Marr managed to get a touch on it, sending the puck behind the goal. Continued pressure from the Steeldogs resulted in several shots on goal, but Marr held strong.
The Wildcats turned the play and forced Crowe to make a diving poke-check save, followed by covering the puck to stop the play.
The Steeldogs faced their first penalty kill at 7:06 when number 5, B Doxey, was sent to the box for a 2-minute slashing penalty. The penalty kill unit kept the Wildcats’ power play at bay, and Doxey rejoined play.
The Wildcats pressured Crowe, trying to jab the puck free from his glove, but Crowe safely covered it.
Tremblay had more great opportunities on Marr, who made the saves despite losing his stick. The Wildcats handed Marr a player’s stick, and luckily, no shots on goal followed.
Tremblay managed a huge shot on goal with one second left, marking the end of the period.
Period 1 Summary:
Both teams had excellent scoring opportunities and showed great end-to-end action. Both goalies made impressive saves.
Shots on Goal:
Steeldogs: 14
Wildcats: 8
Period Score: 0-0
Period 2
After a short delay to check the ice, the period began.
Early Wildcats action resulted in NELL finding himself unmarked and walking the puck towards Crowe, releasing a shot straight into the back of the net.
Even-Handed Goal:
Scored by: 9 A Nell
Timed at: 21:15
Assists: 73 E Bradley, 89 T Malasinski
The Steeldogs responded with increased offensive pressure, forcing the Wildcats to ice the puck. A faceoff win allowed Bjorkly-Nordström to fire the puck past Marr.
Even-Handed Goal:
Scored by: 72 I Bjorkly-Nordström
Timed at: 26:01
Assists: 18 S Tremblay
At 29:27, Wildcats’ 21 L Johnson received a 2-minute penalty for interference. The Steeldogs’ power play couldn’t capitalise.
At 37:12, Steeldogs’ 42 T Smith was called for tripping. Moments later, E Bradley of the Wildcats was penalised for slashing at 38:35, leading to 45 seconds of 4-on-4 hockey.
At 38:32, Hallfors converted a shorthanded breakaway into a penalty shot goal.
Penalty Shot Goal:
Scored by: 37 E Hallfors
Timed at: 38:32
Period 2 Summary:
Both teams opened the scoring and faced penalties. Hallfors’ penalty shot gave the Steeldogs a late-period lead.
Shots on Goal:
Steeldogs: 6
Wildcats: 9
Period Score: 2-1
Period 3
Following a brief ice delay, the action resumed.
The Wildcats pushed hard, with PLEWS scoring through a screen.
Even-Handed Goal:
Scored by: T Plews
Timed at: 47:43
Assists: 89 T Malasinski, 3 B Pakozdi
The teams continued to exchange chances, with the Wildcats unable to capitalise on a power play. Late penalties on both sides yielded no goals.
With 10 seconds left, Bracknell fired a tight-angle shot past Marr to secure a Steeldogs victory.
Final Score: 3-2 to the Steeldogs
Period 3 Summary:
End-to-end action led to a thrilling finish, with the Steeldogs scoring in the dying moments.
Shots on Goal:
Steeldogs: 8
Wildcats: 6
Final Shots on Goal:
Steeldogs: 32
Wildcats: 25
Total PIM:
Steeldogs: 6 minutes
Wildcats: 4 minutes
MOM Dogs: 20 J Philips
MOM Cats: 30 R Marr
Hope you enjoyed this report. Stay tuned for the next one! David Spalton