The weekend saw two road contests that were instructive. First up: the Devils on Saturday. The Devils squad was a little confident coming into today’s game. When we last met with this squad at our rink they won a hard fought contest, but left home 4 of their better skaters who were competing in a soccer tournament. They figured they would roll over us today. Instead, the much smaller Titans executed better for most of the game. First goal went to Billy (there was some discussion about this one, but Tyler gracefully indicated he did not score but assisted) and then Timmy who continued his fine O play from the defensive position, and Chris was solid in net putting us in the drivers seat entering the 3rd period.
Billy added his second on a Richie missed shot on what appeared to give us breathing room, and we were leading 3-1 with just 2:20 to play. Of course the 2 goal lead is the most dangerous lead in hockey, and the Devils knew it. The next minute and a half was described by one of the boys as the longest of the season. The Devil’s big indimidators (one who stands a good 6′1″ with skates on) would go the rest of the way. A penalty after the whistle proved costly, as the Devils drove home their second goal with just 1:30 left in the contest. Before we adjusted to the 3-2 score, they came back in hard and scrambled for another goal with just inside of a minute to play.
We tried to settle down and actually took it to them over the last 50 seconds, but the lead had been squandered, a tie achieved. Like the taste of diet ice cream; you get dessert, but its just less satisfying than real victory. But perspective is important. These mostly 12 year old Devils, were far better than us earlier in the year. We took it to them for most of this game. They were chasing us, not giving up, a role that we have played often this year. Learning to win and close out games is something that comes from the experience of having and holding leads late in contests. This too will come. But celebrate the improvement that the boys have achieved.
Ryan gets Titans first goal Sunday
The second lesson of the weekend came Sunday night, far from home at the Saints rickety rink in Monsey NY. The last road game mood in the locker room was more like the last day of school. The coaches saw it in the pregame warm up as well. We were way too casual and loose, despite being short staffed without Andrew, Neil and Austin. And when you forget what got you there, and do not play sound fundamental hockey, the outcome is predictable. The first period started with a bad change on defense with both players abandoning the zone during a turnover and bang 1-0 Saints. We had opportunities and penetrated effectively, but were just not in our normal flow. Then they took advantage of a roughing penalty and the first period ended with a Saints score with 1.1 seconds left.
Billy has that sly “I banged home an easy one” smile on his face…. crashing pays
The 2-0 hole was enough to wake us up. Ryan worked a rush on the powerplay into a 2-1 game. They stepped right back with 2 more. Missed passes led to Titan trips on 3 breakaways and they scored on a penalty shot and a power play to take a 4-1 lead. Billy knocked one home on a rebound off Dave and Tyler and it was 4-2. As the clock wound down in the second it looked like we had a chance with a 4 on 4. We had control but could not find a shot. Finally, Tyler passed across to Timmy. The pass seemed errant when it hit Connor’s stick. Timmy had to scramble to line it up with what seemed to be no time left. He shot. The puck hit post, a Buzzer sounded and the ref blew his whistle. The clock read 0.00. He pointed toward the puck in the back of the goal and it was a 4-3 game.
Timmy and Tyler celebrate the period ending goal
The third period started poorly . They put two more by AJ and it was 6-3. We closed to 6-4 with Tim putting another one in net from Frank’s assist. Now with two minutes to play, coach Phil wanted to climb back in. AJ was pulled. Six skaters and Timmy fed Tyler who drained another one. 6-5. Time out Saints. A few ticks later we had our chance. We had 3 on 2 in front. Two good passes had the goalie out of position, but Dave could not get his stick on the shot. The puck dribbled to the corner. A few months ago the boys would have had a “moral” victory for the close game. While they stayed in it like champs and climbed back from a 3 goal hole, they knew their first period cost them the game. They are too good at this point to be satisfied with the loss.
Final note on the weekend: 5 skaters play offense. Tyler, Timmy, Frank, and Ryan all got on the board this weekend with goals and/or assists. The working of 5 into the offense has paid significant dividends. Good job by the forwards for bringing it back to the point, and way to contribute defenders!
