Dec 16, 2015 | Weldon Johnston | 680 views
NOT AGAIN! Fifth Top 5 Opponent in 7 Weeks
With a 2-1 loss to the Bombers, the Pirates faced yet another top-of-the-table team to drop to the middle of the pack. With the game on the line, down 2-0 with less than a minute to go, the Pirates struck fear into the hearts of the Bombers when Eli cut their lead in half with only 27 seconds remaining in the third period.
After battling the Bombers evenly through the first period, the second period proved to be the Pirates undoing. Both of the Bombers goals came in the middle frame, one at even strength and one a Bombers powerplay.
Late in the third period Eli scored unassisted to bring the score close. That play, with only 27 seconds remaining, prompted Coach Grant to pull Moose for the extra attacker. On the ensuing faceoff at centre the Pirates lined up with Ryno as a second centre between the two defensemen. Poised to pounce, the Pirates chased the puck into the Bombers end and pressed right until the final buzzer. With 15 seconds to go the puck was behind the Bombers net in "Gretzky's Office". Eli slid a centring pass out to the slot where three Pirates were ready to put the biscuit in the basket. Unfortunately, the puck hit a skate and went to one of the desperate Bomber players who managed to clear it to safety with seconds to spare. Final score: Bombers 2 - Pirates 1.
On a good note, the Pirates penalty kill is running at over 80% with 9 out of 11 penalties killed off so far this season!
This strong D-play is setting the team up well for the final game going into the Jason Cripps Christmas Tournament. Keep it up Pirates! ARRGH!