Game # 24 Port Hope Predators 4 - Lindsay Muskies 1
November 23rd, 2007
Summary
It was the same old story when the Preds made their fourth visit of the season to the Rec Complex. The Fish have only lost three games by three goal margins but each one has been at home to the Predators, with the previous two coming in the first two games of the campaign. Tonight the visitors seemed to be stronger on the puck, making it hard for Lindsay to compete in the battles for control. Richard Nerland took the loss in net but it certainly wasn't his fault as he continues to look strong. The only goal for the good guys came from defenceman Alex Charette with a point shot in the third period. With Kyle Stojsin sitting out with after taking a knock, the Muskies were forced to break up the top line that has been so impressive in recent games - which certainly didn't help matters. What really hurt the Muskies, however, were the penalties they took, with all four Port Hope goals coming on the powerplay. The Lindsay lineup was augmented tonight by the arrival of John Bayley, who has been acquired in a trade with the Brampton Capitals - with Josh Ruys going the other way.
Period 1
The first ten minutes saw plenty of hitting by both teams as they fought to establish a level of physical domination. The only goal of the period came very early on and it set the trend. With Corey George being sent to the penalty box for interference after just 13 seconds, the Preds promptly capitalized. Garrett Noiles got the final touch at 1:50 to beat Nerland and give the visitors a lead they would never relinquish. The Muskies themselves didn't get a powerplay opportunity until there were only 69 seconds left in the frame and they failed to make it count before the buzzer sent both teams to the locker room.
Period 2
The Muskies fell further behind at 12:38 of the second period. Richard Nerland made two good stops but there was no-one around to help him out when the puck was knocked down and Tyler Miller turned and swept in the rebound. The Fish had their chances but they couldn't find a way to convert them into goals. The closest they came was when a shot hit the crossbar and deflected up. It rather summed up the evening for the Muskies as the puck seemed to be going everywhere but into the net.
Period 3
With twenty minutes left to play, the Muskies tried hard to get a toehold in the game but too often they were out muscled by the Predators. Once again the penalties came back to haunt the home team as the efficient Port Hope powerplay unit made it look easy. First Kevin Parker had an easy job of finishing off a play that bisected the Lindsay defence at 5:38 then at 15:26 it was another powerplay goal for Chad Dunlop. In between, Alex Charette broke Devan Hartigan's bid for the shutout at 11:59 when he fired home from the point as he was set up by Aaron Keaney and Cam Granger. Justin Lacey took part in his first fight for the Muskies as he and Ryan Hill put on a spirited show, but that was just about the only excitement in the remaining minutes.
Box Score: Click here
Game Sheet: Click here
Photographs
Alex Fiset sets up behind the goal in the second period.
Just the Muskies' luck tonight as a shot beats the goalie quite comprehensively but is only headed towards the crossbar.
A Fish in the net - Ryan Oliver is caught.
More playing in the blue paint.
There'll be no shutout tonight as Alex Charette gets the Fish on the scoreboard.
Justin Lacey finds a dance partner.