A WELL EARNED WIN FOR MISSY
by thistles forever
PORT CREDIT - Two notorious lacrosse forces met Friday night and
something had to give. First was Peterborough and their habit of
blowing third period leads. Second was the Tomahawks and their reknown
comebacks which normally fall short. Yet this week was anything but
normal for the Lakers, thus Mississauga was rewarded for never quiting
and pulled out a dramatic 13-12 victory.
Initially they had to survive the Green Machine at its best. Firewagon
lacrosse throughout the opening period. The Tommies fired 21 shots at
Laker goaltenders and drove Cole Murray from the game after 5 goals and
15 minutes. Peterborough went one better. They peppered Ryan Young
with 26 shots and won the period 8-5. Jeff Shattler was very
impressive for the home team. The stick skills are clearly there. He
scored two pretty goals, the second on an end to end rush. Greg
McIntyre is also emerging as a player to be watched. He scored a first
frame hattrick, all assisted by Scott Evans. Evans then muscled in for
two goals of his own. The Tomahawk defence really couldn't cope.
Al Burton made all the right adjustments during the intermission.
Consequently the Missy defence did slowdown the Green Machine a bit.
Meanwhile Coach Burton's offence really took the game to the visitors.
They outshot their guests 23-12 in the period. The Tomahawks were
looking very strong down only 9-7 and on the power play. Then Brad
Self deflated all their momentum on one play. Greg McIntyre and Scott
Eldridge did all the work, then Self capped their effort with the
Petes' tenth goal. Mississauga were dealt yet another hammer blow at
the period's conclusion. Again Self did the damage, on one of the
prettiest goals you're ever going to see. Jamie McIntyre made the save
on an outside shot, grabbed the rebound and in one motion sent Self
away. 12-8 at the break.
Surely a four goal advantage over the Tommies would be safe.
Especially the way the Laker offence was clicking. Then the third
period commenced and as McIntyre made his first save three terrible
words came from the mouth of assistant coach Paul Evans, "HOLD THE
BALL!" Yes Peterborough was going to sit on their four goal lead the
entire period. A certain recipe for disaster after what had happened
Tuesday night against Six Nations.
Still they were playing Mississauga and also playing with a short bench
and six regulars out of the lineup, so who can blame the conservatism?
For over five minutes all looked well. Then the madness began. Chris
Stewart beat McIntyre with a super outside shot. Next Corey Leigh
killed off a penalty with great ragging. Now the Tommies were really
flying and they would keep getting stronger with each positive result
they created. Before the halfway mark, Scott Gillingham scored on a 4
on 4 situation. 12-10 and it was really starting to look like Missy's
game. By this time the visitors' offence was non-existent and they
went a long stretch without a shot on goal. Joe Falconi scored on the
power play with 8 minutes remaining. Next Stewart tied it with a neat
bouncer, just over five minutes on the clock. The winner came 55
seconds later. I thought Gillingham netted it but credit was given to
Derek McPhee. Either way those were the pair involved. Peterborough
desperately tried to restart their offence but it was like closing the
barn door after the horse had bolted. They had been throughly
outplayed in the period and outshot 17-9. Brad Self did set up Dan
Carey with a glorious chance late. Ryan Young handled the point blank
shot. He also dealt with a Self effort from further out as the clock
wound down.
What a grand way for the Tomahawks to snap a losing streak. Great
effort from the entire team. It's time for Burton's crew to start
believing in themselves. There's a championship on the block and, to
date, only low bids have been offered.
It was a clean, fast paced game with terrific officiating. Gary Martin
turned back the clock with a flawless performance. McDonald was also
very good, though he suffered a brief penalty calling fit midway
through the third period. For the most part, both referees kept to the
sideline, making it an outstanding game to watch.
But with an agonising conclusion for all Peterborough supporters. The
Lakers should be sitting at 9-5 right now, only a tie out of first
place. Instead they reside at 7-7, a mere win ahead of ninth! Still,
it is through adversity that great teams are created. The coaching
staff now know that they can't change the offence so early. In the
past two third periods the Green Machine has scored one goal. That's
why they blew two leads. Let the boys keep running! And what a force
these Peterborough kids are when they are flying. Surely a team with
such a positive offence and the two best scorers in the league will
have plenty to say come playoff time. Regardless of what place they
finish in.
