Mar 04, 2013 | bmiller | 476 views
Atomc Red vs. Atomc Gold
Atomc Red (2-1-0) played their third game of the playoffs this past Sunday against Atomc Gold (2-1-0).
Red began the first period on their heels and did not come out with the offensive pressure they had hoped for. While the team was searching for some offense, the defense pairings Hankins and Steffler; Domerchie and Reeve; Endres and Kelly held Gold in check. With a lot of the play being in the defensive end they were able to keep Gold's quality scoring chances to a minimum. However with just over three minutes remaining in the period, and Red shorthanded, Gold scored to take a 1-0 lead.
The second period was much the same as the first. Red was not able force the play, or maintain any pressure in the offensive zone. They were however able to hold Gold off of the score sheet as well. This is attributable not only to the defense, but also to quality back-checking by all of the forwards.
At the start of the third period Red finally found their game. All three lines started to force the play and the results were evident. Strong shifts by wingers Smith and Perry followed by Kytola and Paiva-Bernard along with centermen Annett and Sothern turned the tides for Red. Shortly after, Noble and Horvath finally broke the ice for Red scoring a goal by driving hard to the oppositions net. Red continued to pressure and less then two minutes later defenseman Hankins scored with a beautiful shot from the point to give Red the lead. Just one minute later, Red continued their dominance of the period as Horvath and Noble scored again to give the team a 3-1 lead.
After scoring three goals in three minutes the team returned back to playing defense. Goaltender Storms made a few saves in the remaining three minutes to make the final score 3-1. Storms played well all game, but made one save on a breakaway when the team was trailing 1-0 that was a game changer for Red.
The teams next game is on March 10 against Atomc Green (2-1-0).