Athens, G.A. – Marksmen drop a close affair in Athens
The puck was down in Athens, and it was a fast-moving penalty filled first period. Just over two minutes into the game, the Lobsters hemmed the Marksmen in their own zone generating good pressure. Brandon Picard threw the puck on net from the sidewall, and it was able to squeak by Marksmen goaltender Jacob Mucitelli. The Lobsters grabbed an early 1-0 at 2:43 into the first followed up with a powerplay opportunity just minutes later. Troubled in the defensive zone, the Lobsters were able to connect on the powerplay after a bumper pass set up Brandon Reller at 6:26. The Marksmen pushed back despite the early deficit and got a powerplay of their own. The Lobsters pressed and broke up any cross-ice pass and never really got set up.
The second period was underway and immediately the Marksmen had their foot on the gas looking to get on the board. Just a little over one minute into the second frame the Marksmen were heading to the powerplay. After whipping the puck around creating looks, Blake Humphrey was able to snap the goalless powerplay streak and get the Marksmen on the board at 2:58. Two separate penalties committed by Austin D’Orazio sent the Lobsters to the powerplay, but Jacob Mucitelli negated any chance thrown his way. The Marksmen continued to press the puck up the ice, a noticeable difference in play from the first period. The shots were evened out and both teams sat with 20 on goal through two periods.
Two penalties early on committed by the Marksmen gave the Lobsters a chance to extend their lead. The defense stood strong as they were able to kill back-to-back powerplays, giving the Marksmen some momentum. Payton Schaly was able to connect on the powerplay, wristing one home at 9:06 evening the game at two. Some strong pushback by the Lobsters created a sloppy turnover by the Marksmen behind their own goal where Hassan Akl of the Lobsters was able to bury the golden opportunity at 12:24. With just under four minutes to play the push to tie the game was on for the Marksmen. A point shot by Graeme McCrory on net came loose for Payton Schaly knocked home his second of the night, tying things up at 16:26. The Lobsters would push back as they came down the ice, where Connor Galloway ripped one bar down to put the Lobsters back up front. With time running out the Marksmen pulled the goaltender to get the extra attacker and make it a 6-on-5. The Marksmen threw everything on net creating great chances, but Nikita Borodaekno was able to put home the empty net goal at 18:54. Jacob Mucitelli posted 29 saves in the loss, and the Marksmen were able to snap their powerplay skid scoring twice on the night
The Marksmen host the Huntsville Havoc on Saturday, November 7 at 6 PM for Dia de los Muertos presented by El Cazador Mexican Restaurant. Head to marksmenhockey.com for more information.