Game # 35 Lindsay Muskies 1 - Wellington Dukes 2
January 6th, 2008 in Wellington
Summary
Some losses almost feel like a win. If it wasn't for the precarious nature of the East division standings, this might have been one of them. The Fish put on a tremendous effort against the team with the best win percentage in the East, and came close to causing an upset. They were undone by two well-worked powerplay goals on a night when their discipline resulted in only three minors in the sixty minutes. Matt Ginn was a spectator for long spells, particularly in the second period, but was sharp enough to make some great saves and earn himself the title of the game's first star. Lindsay's goalscorer was Jeff Bayley - his first goal for the club. This game showed the continuing self-belief that remains in the team, despite their seventh position in the standings, and was good enough to suggest that they should not be counted out yet - and if they do make the playoffs, they are going to pose quite a threat if they can start finding the back of the net.
Period 1
The Muskies put in a very creditable performance in the first period, showing no sign of any inferiority complex against their high-flying opponents. They started the period well and an early powerplay gave them the chance to put pressure on the home team, coming close to a goal when a shot found its way through goalie Fishcher's pads, only to slide past the outside of the post. Things turned Wellington's way after 11 minutes with a disputed penalty call. A scrum developed at the Dukes' blue line and in the middle of it Alex Charette was called for closing his hand on the puck. It didn't take long for Wellington to convert the powerplay to a goal, with Martin O'Grady completing a backdoor move at 11:14. There were good chances at both ends after that, with the Muskies tipping shots just over and just wide of the target. At the other end, Matt Ginn pulled off some stellar saves to deny the Dukes on some very good scoring opportunities.
Period 2
The second period was almost all Lindsay as they really took the play to the Dukes. The puck must have been in the home end for at least 75% of the time, but that wasn't entirely reflected on the scoreboard, which ultimately would hurt the Fish. The Dukes doubled their lead when a breakaway meant Charette had little choice but to grab the Wellington forward as he headed for the net. Again the powerplay was fruitful as a bullet from Jon Bockmann at the point found the far corner, with Ginn well shielded by traffic. But the Muskies kept coming and deservedly scored at 11:00 when Jeff Bayley was first to a rebound and knocked the puck in. Assists went to Trevor Mock and Kevin George. The rest of the period saw Lindsay do everything but score and so they still trailed by one heading into the second break. However, they could be immensely proud of their effort so far.
Period 3
The Muskies started the final period well again, and kept up their discipline. They completed the third without taking a single penalty - but sadly they couldn't score either. They battled hard, though, and certainly had their chances. About half way through the period it looked like they might be starting to tire as the Dukes came back into the game, but then the Muskies found one last gear to go up in the last few minutes and once again came close to levelling things up. A great opportunity came and went as a shooting lane opened up but the blast from the slot went too high, clearing the net and the glass behind. A sign of how well the Muskies battled was to be seen in the fact they played the final minute with Matt Ginn on the bench for an extra attacker and the fast and skillful Dukes never got to try for the emptynetter that would have sealed the win. So in the end it was another case of close but not close enough for Lindsay, although someday soon they are going to really put it to one of the top teams.
Box Score: Click here
Game Sheet: Click here
Photographs
In the first period, the Muskies close in on a loose puck as referee Brooks indicates a delayed penalty against the Dukes.
In the second, Jeff Bayley celebrates his first goal for the Muskies as he cuts the deficit to 2-1.
Trevor Mock tries to get the puck out to Kyle Stojsin as the Fish besiege the Wellington goal looking for another.
The same pair are at it again at the top of the crease.
Jake Fischer grabs and hangs on.
Fischer again to the rescue in the third.
More mayhem in and around the Dukes' crease.