McCutcheon comes up clutch, leads Panthers to thrilling comeback win over St. FX

By Thomas Becker

The UPEI Panthers clinched a playoff spot in dramatic fashion, scoring three unanswered goals to defeat the St. FX X-Women 3-2 in overtime. 

Sophomore forward Ashley McCutcheon came up clutch down the stretch, scoring the final two goals to secure the team's seventh straight win. 

The winner came off a great individual effort from McCutcheon, who took the puck from the side boards, turned toward the slot and got by a defender before tucking a backhand shot by goaltender Jamie Johnson.

"It was a huge moment," said McCutcheon after the emotional win. "Just watching the team race on the ice was awesome. Everyone has worked so hard to make this a streak and being able to help the girls make it seven was special." 

The Panthers (14-6-1) went toe-to-toe with one of the best teams in the country in the X-Women (14-4-3) all night, but penalties cost them early. St. FX's league-best power play unit delivered at 11:44 when Ellie Brown released a powerful shot from the right circle that hit Sarah Forsythe's blocker and fell in the net.

Early in the second period, the X-Women capitalized again with the extra skater. This time, Jayden Thompson found Landyn Pitts with a perfect cross-ice pass that Pitts simply had to redirect for the goal and a 2-0 lead. 

Panthers head coach Sean Fisher said the message heading into the second intermission was a simple one. 

"The message was if you didn't like what was happening on the scoreboard then show me how resilient you can be and go out and change the outcome."

The inspirational words clearly worked as the Panthers rallied for two goals in the third period. First, it was rookie forward Kierra St. Peter who took the loose puck from inside the blue line and shook off a defender before roofing her first AUS goal at 4:21. 

Then a bit of luck went the Panthers' way. With a little over four minutes remaining in regulation, McCutcheon was credited with a goal after Johnson surrendered a long rebound that a St. FX defender tried to clear, but instead found the back of the net.

With momentum on their side, UPEI went into the extra frame with confidence and an extra skater as St. FX was called for a slashing penalty before the period ended. The Panthers—who are now 6-1 in overtime—delivered once again as McCutcheon netted her second of the game and fourth of the season on the great individual play.

After the game, Fisher was quick to credit Forsythe, who's been a workhorse between the pipes since opening day goaltender Shaylin McFarlane got hurt, and has been a big reason why the team is enjoying the lengthy win streak.

"Obviously we've been getting good goaltending," he said. "Sarah has stepped up for a while now and the team is playing confidently in front of her. We're also getting contributions from people up and down the lineup which is great." 

The two teams will square off again Jan. 25 in Antigonish.

Photo Credit: Janessa Hogan