Lucas Fitzpatrick records first AUS win, as Panthers shutout Tigers 2-0

By Thomas Becker 

The UPEI Panthers have been enjoying a lot of success lately, having won seven of their last eight games. Even backup goaltender Lucas Fitzpatrick got in on the fun, as he recorded his first AUS win and shutout in a 2-0 victory over the Dalhousie Tigers Saturday night.

The sophomore netminder turned aside 19 shots and was rewarded with Subway Player of the Game honours for his effort. 

"It feels pretty good getting that first win. The boys were making it easy on me, clearing out pucks and letting me see everything," Fitzpatrick said.

With most of the action taking place in their offensive zone, the Panthers (8-4-0) controlled the game from start to finish as they outshot their opponent 37 to 19. They simply struggled to find the back of the net, which hasn't been an issue most nights. 

That changed at 7:47 of the second period when TJ Shea put his team ahead 1-0. On a two-on-one break, Kyle Maksimovich played a little give-and-go with Tory Lajeunesse before gathering the puck once more and sending a cross-ice pass to Shea, who wired a wrist shot by goaltender Alexander MacDonald. 

The offensive lull continued throughout the period and for most of the third until the game's final three minutes. UPEI's Cole Candella was called for a roughing penalty, which gave the Tigers (1-10-1) life down the stretch. But the Panther penalty kill unit delivered a clutch moment when the puck slid to Darian Pilon along the blue line, where he took it and skated down the ice free of any defender before beating Alexander five-hole to seal the 2-0 win. 

UPEI looks to capture their fourth straight win when they host the Acadia Axemen Wednesday night, while the Tigers travel to Moncton to take on the Aigles Bleus Friday night.

Photo Credit: Janessa Hogan