Huskies score back-to-back shorthanded goals in 3-0 win over Panthers
Everyone following the UPEI Panthers knew there would be growing pains this season, and on Wednesday night, it was a bit more evident than in the previous two games.
By Thomas Becker
Everyone following the UPEI Panthers knew there would be growing pains this season, and on Wednesday night, it was a bit more evident than in the previous two games.
The Panthers (1-2) are now mired in a 121-minute scoreless drought after being shutout for the second straight game, this time at the hands of the Saint Mary's Huskies, who won 3-0 and are off to a perfect 3-0 start to their season.
With so much roster turnover, it's clear the Panthers are not quite in synch yet, and an experienced Huskies squad took full advantage. Their first two goals—both shorthanded—came late in the second period and were more than enough to extend their win streak. Jake Uberti and Ben Boyd scored those backbreaking goals, while McDonnell added the empty-netter in the end.
A lot of the action took place in the Panthers' defensive zone, as the home team struggled to generate much offensively. They were outshot 13-3 in the first period, with their first shot on net coming in at 15:34.
The saving grace for UPEI was goaltender Jonah Capriotti, who kept his team afloat by holding the Huskies off the scoreboard in the opening frame. Saint Mary's had two chances with the man-advantage, but couldn't get one by the all-star netminder.
The Panthers came out strong in the second period and their pressure led to some frustration by the Huskies, resulting in several power play opportunities, but UPEI couldn't capitalize on them.
After Kaleb Pearson thought he scored on a wrist shot set up beautifully by Elias Cohen, the puck ricocheted to Thomas Casey, who chipped it ahead to Uberti for the breakaway and eventual shorthanded goal, as he slipped one by Capriotti at 12:19.
About four and half minutes later, Ben Higgins cut toward the net and lost the puck before Boyd came in and fired a wrist shot in the top right corner to make it 2-0.
It's hard to question the Panthers' effort, as they held the Huskies—who were averaging eight goals coming into the game—to just three goals. The defence was tested often, and for the most part they delivered, as Capriotti recorded 31 saves, while Jeremy Helvig turned aside just 17 shots for the Huskies.
The Panthers look to get back in the win column Friday night when they travel to Wolfville, NS to take on the Acadia Axemen, while the Huskies take a crack at the Axemen at home Saturday night.
Photo Credit: Janessa Vanden Broek
