Lindsay Muskies - Game Report

Game # 19

Lindsay Muskies 4 - Cobourg Cougars 1

November 3rd, 2007 in Baltimore

Summary

After last night's disappointment, the Muskies had an instant opportunity to take their revenge on the Cobourg Cougars when they met for the second time in less than 24 hours. This game was moved to the arena in Baltimore and the Fish were probably pleased not to be playing on the smaller Cobourg ice. They never really looked like they would miss this chance to restore their five point lead over the Cougars as they put in a much better effort than in Lindsay last night. Richard Nerland was again outstanding in net, while Ryan Oliver, Mitch Vasey, Aaron Keaney and Kyle Stojsin did the damage on the scoreboard. This win moved the Muskies back into the playoff places and the Fish still have a game in hand over the teams around them.

Period 1

The Muskies looked to put last night behind them in the first period. The game was fairly even but the Fish struck twice in the final five minutes. Just after killing a penalty, Kyle Stojsin passed to Aaron Keaney who cut in fast and then slipped a pass across to Ryan Oliver at the top of the crease who comprehensively beat Clarke up high to give the Fish the lead at 15:55. Soon after, the Muskies had another powerplay of their own and this time they scored. It was Mitch Vasey who reacted best to a rebound to make it 2-0 at 17:47, assisted by Alex Charette and Alex Fiset. As the buzzer to end the period sounded, the Muskies put the puck in the net again but referee Coles waived it off. Unlike recent events, this was not only obviously the correct call but the officials took the time to ensure the crowd were informed of their decision.

Period 2

The Muskies came out flying in the second period and reduced the Cougars to shreds in the first seven or eight minutes. They created a host of chances and completely dominated the play. They only scored once, though, and it came early (1:34) when Aaron Keaney smashed the puck home from about six feet out. His goal was assisted by Corey George and Brett Waters. By the middle of the period the Cougars began to work harder and the game became more even and more scrappy. Both teams took penalties, with the Muskies giving their opponents almost a minute of two man advantage. The Cougars couldn't find a way to get on the scoreboard, however, and at the second buzzer the Fish still had a three goal lead to take into the third period.

Period 3

There never really seemed any likelihood of the Muskies letting this game slip away in the final period, although when the Cougars scored a powerplay goal at 3:50 from Ryan Cresswell, it made the score closer than it might have been at that point. The Fish didn't panic and kept playing in the same way, with Richard Nerland doing everything required of him to ensure that Cobourg would get no closer. Both teams enjoyed lengthy two man advantages but the penaltykillers won those battles. The Cougars had to do something to get back into the game so they pulled their goalie with almost two minutes remaining, but with a two goal cushion, Kyle Stojsin decided he could afford to risk an icing by taking a shot from well within the Lindsay zone. He may even have been closer to Nerland's goal than he was to the Lindsay blueline but his shot was a laser that buried itself in the distant Cobourg net. The goal came at 18:43 and was assisted by Elliott Richardson. It sealed the game for the Muskies but there was still time for some fisticuffs. First Mike Madgett tangled with Mitch Callieu then Mike Wills laid a beating on Paul Jackiw. The Muskies now have a week off before facing these same Cougars yet again next Friday in Lindsay.

Box Score:

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Game Sheet:

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Photographs

Kevin George is brought down as he heads for the net.