Game # 25 Lindsay Muskies 1 - Peterborough Stars 5
November 24th, 2007 in Peterborough
Summary
The Muskies visited the Evinrude Centre for the first time this season and went down to defeat by a score of 5-1. The scoreline was harsh on the Muskies but the Stars showed that they are near the top of the standings because they are able to put the puck in the net even when they aren't dominating the game. This was reflected by the fact that both teams managed 30 shots on net. Certainly if these two teams end up facing each other in the playoffs it will be a very interesting series for the fans to watch. The Muskies sit in 7th place and so still need to find that extra gear that will see the playoffs become a reality.
Period 1
A goal-less first period had plenty to watch as the play flowed from end to end. Matt Ginn looked to be in fine form in net, making several last gasp saves. But there was plenty for his opposite number, Zach Fryia, to do as well. Kevin George had the best chances for the Fish as he twice worked himself into clear shooting chances. Each time, though, he elected to go glove side and Fryia's reactions were quick enough. A flurry of penalties in the final minute, including a double minor to Justin Lacey meant that, barring more penalties, each team would be getting a powerplay early in the next period.
Period 2
The powerplays came to nothing but the goals finally started to flow in the second period. It was quit similar to the second period when these two teams met a week ago, but with roles reversed. This time it was the Stars who built up a comfortble  lead with the Fish getting one back late. It was Matt Gray who got the first when he tipped in a shot at 9:08. Soon it became 2-0 when a low hard shot from Tyler Talsma got under Matt Ginn, who probably saw it very late due to traffic. Although it wasn't technically a powerplay goal, it came just three seconds after a penalty expired and Mike Wills was still making his way back onto the ice.Pier-Olivier Cotnoir made it 3-0 at 14:19 on another powerplay. The period rarely saw 5 on 5 hockey as the penalties came continuously from referee Renaud, with almost all being clear cut calls with little dispute possible. Finally the Muskies  got their own powerplay going and at 17:28 Corey George swept in a rebound to give the Fish hope.
Period 3
The Muskies weren't able to find a way back into the game in the third period, although they again matched their opponents for effort and managed one more shot than them. However, it was again the Stars who found a way to convert their chances into goals and they did so twice more. The goals came at 8:52 and 17:02, with Alain Joanette getting the first and former Muskie Ryan Herlihey getting the second - making it a three point night for him. The period was quite different to the previous two in as much as there wasn't a single penalty until the Stars got called for boarding in the final two minutes. So the Muskies fell to the Stars for the first time in three meetings this season and they now have until Friday to prepare for the visit of the Kingston Voyaguers, who have won all the meetings between the clubs so far but who have been played tough by the Fish in most of them.
Box Score: Click here
Game Sheet: Click here
Photographs
The Muskies go to work behind Fryia's net.
Aaron Keaney gets acquainted with former Muskie Tim Cavanagh.
Corey George gets the Muskies' lone goal of the afternoon.
Former Lindsay great Paul Mattucci (in the bright tie) watches his new team and his old team battle for a face off.