Dec 16, 2012 | NathanT | 234 views
3/4 Weekend Points Go Toward Clippers' Quest for Playoff Positioning
The Clippers played in back to back home game match-ups this weekend, facing the Georgina Blaze on Saturday, December 15th and the Richmond Hill Stars on the 16th.
The Clippers handily managed a lop-sided win against the Blaze, ending the score at 11-2, still on fire with more heat in the sticks as the game concluded with the last goal at 28 seconds remaining in the third. The game kicked off with 3 goals in the first, repeated in the second, and a further 5 in the third.
The Clippers dominated throughout, with strong performances across the board. Notables - Bryson with 6 points, Christian & Michael each with 3 points, Charlie, Connor & Nolan with 2 each, and singletons earned by Hayden and Mick. Strong defense kept Georgina away from the house most of the game, and Aaron covered up with big saves when some loose ones shuffled in. Still the Blaze were relieved to break the shut out late in the second with their first goal (beauty shot top right) and an early follow-up in the third, awarded once again to the Blaze's #5 (A. Tait unassisted on both).
The Clippers knew going into Sunday that the play would be different against top tier Richmond Hill. The Stars struck first at 8:49 of the first period, putting the Clippers on notice that they were planning to take back the upset of our win on their home ice a few weeks earlier. Bryson, still loaded with spunk following his 6 points from Saturday, put up the first goal with 1:02 remaining in the first (unassisted) to reset the scoreboard at an even 1-1 to end the period. Play resumed in tight formation with strong defensive back-checking and solid pressure from the Clippers putting up a number of great attempts. The Clippers pulled ahead finally with a second goal at under 1 minute in the second, as Allan skated up the ice to accompany Connor. Goal scored by 18 assist to 6.
Montanari in net had to fend off not less than 3 clean break-away shots, including a clever deke, even more cleverly pad-saved. Hats off to the goalie for frustrating the Stars time and again when our Clippers got too deep and were out raced back to the Clipper zone.
Things were looking good with the one point lead, until the penalties started flowing with a total of 5 in the third alone, and 2 5 on 3's awarded to the Stars. Eventually the Stars made good at the net with only 1:07 left in the game and just before a 5 on 3 advantage concluded. Jubilant, the Stars looked as if they won the game at that point, still with another full minute to play with a man advantage. The Clippers tried short-handed to push the play at the RH end, but the buzzer finally sounded ending the battle in a tie of 2-2.
With seven penalties and two 5 on 3's, compared to no infractions penalized to the visitors, the Clippers held their own, but it's hard to fend off a strong team when you're consistently in the box. Taking a point away from the game was a disappointment after being in lead territory, but not a bad outcome all things considered. Coach Ross commented that the team played well and could have had this game - definitely deserving of a lot of credit for their play. Big Shout Out to Player of the Game, Hayden, for taking away time and space from the Stars, and strong back-checking.
The week-end will show 3 points up for the Clippers, splitting game 2 with one a piece with Richmond Hill.
Well done Clippers!