The Red Wings played probably their best game this season at the Dave in turning back the Dukes of Wellington 6-1 and moving two points ahead of Markham and three ahead of Wellington in the Central.
A single goal in the first that actually counted as Josh McQuade's wrist shot from just inside the blueline with Hamilton enjoying a two-man advantage seemed to take a deflection off a Dukes defender and gave goalie Eddy Davey no chance. It was McQuade's 35th. tally of the season. As the first drew to a close Joey Diamond's laser hit the stanchion at the back of the net and came straight back out but the officials did not see it, thinking, I presume, that it hit the crossbar. It was uncharacteristic Wellington hockey as they took six straight minor penalties but the Red Wings were unable to get another one past Davey.
The second period was all Red Wings as they played a strong game at both ends of the rink and got three more. Nathan Pageau got his 29th. just over a minute in as he took a perfect pass from Anthony Ruberto and scored with a backhand flip. Just past the ix minute mark it was 3-0 Wings as they scored while killing a penalty, this time it was Pageau's turn to give a feed to Ruberto who forced it by Davey with a great second effort. It was 4-0 when goalie Rob Behling found blueliner Brendan Schwartz near centre ice and the big defender trundled down the right side and his shot bounced off Davey and into the net. It was his second of the campaign. Jeremy Franklin had a great chance to get the Dukes on the board as he caught the Red Wings in a hesitant mode on their powerplay and broke in a all alone but shot over the net. 4-0 Hamilton after two.
Three minutes into the final frame Pageau reached the 30 mark taking a pass from Behling and skating through the Dukes defence to make it 5-0. Right after Marty O'Grady got a breakaway for Wellington but he was stymied by Behling. The Wings were not done yet as newly-acquired Brent McGrail fed ex-Charger linemate Bruce Crawford and big 88 made no mistake. Hopes of a shutout for Behling were kyboshed as Justin Johnson beat him glove side with less than eight minutes to go.
McGrail wore 96 for the Wings. Another big addition. He looked good for his first game with new friends. Captain Chris Brown was not dressed for Wellington. Joey Diamond was back in the lineup for Hamilton and did not get an official goal. Considering this was their third game in as many nights and they were coming off a disappointing loss in Toronto on Sunday the total team effort was even more remarkable.
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Thanks (as always) for your unbiased game summary from last night Ron! I just love reading the morning updates from the previous evenings games, especially when I can't make it out to very many games this year! It's kind of like opening up the sports page each day when I enter "The Cage" and such passionate informants as "OUR" talented Ron have put up "ANOTHER" fantastic game report! Thanks again Ron!
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Tony, thanks for those effusive and generous comments..it is a pleasure to be part of this forum where almost all of the participants are positive and informed about the League and the young men who play in it. I will soon be calling my relatives in Victoria to tell them we will be dropping in to see them next spring when the Wings play in the RBC. At least I will not have to spend money on a motel room!
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What? has the OHA kissed a few more owner's "a**es" in the Central to give them a bye into the RBC?
I wouldn't book your flight yet Ron, there will be a couple of teams from the Phillips, MacKinnon and Ruddock that will have a lot to say about the Red Wings even getting to the Dudley, let alone the RBC.
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