Feb 20, 2016 | Kerry Bedard | 406 views
Devils battling for 1st place with Weekend Doubleheader
Last Saturday (FEB 13), the Devils played 2 very important games as the fight for 1st place in the playoffs continued. The Devils played some of their best hockey of the season but hot goaltending by the opposition was a challenge.
In the 8 a.m. morning game, the Devils faced off with Giant Tiger Yellow, the first place team in the league. In the previous playoff game the teams battled to a 1-1 tie, so this was sure to be another nailbiter. The Dante Club Devils got on the board first, with a beautiful goal from Chase Nickels, assisted by Nick Cotton, late in the 1st Period. After 1 period, the Devils were up 1-0. Both teams played perfect defence in the 2nd period with no goals scored. Giant Tiger goalie Derek More was outstanding in net, stopping many great chances by the Devils. In the 3rd period, Giant Tiger evened the scored with a goal from Nolan Jennings, assisted by Kevin Grey and Nathan Knight. As time wound down there were great scoring chances from both sides, but Devils goalie Brayden Bedard and Yellow's More turned every shot aside. Just when it seemed that another tie would be the result, Giant Tiger scored with 34 seconds left to seal the victory. The hero for Giant Tiger was Alex Weir with an assist by Jennings. While it was a setback for the Devils, it was easily one of the best games of the season between 2 of the top teams in the league.
In the evening game, the Devils looked to get back on track and avenge the morning's defeat. Their opponent was Brooktree Grey/Black. Defence took over again, as both teams played a scoreless first and second period. Early in the third period, Janzen Wark struck first for Brooktree, when he won a race to the puck against Devils' goalie Brayden Bedard who was looking to stop a breakaway with a poke check. With time ticking down, the Devils cranked up their effort and got on the board with 3 straight goals in a span of 3 minutes. Aaron Coene struck first with a nifty change of direction on a beautiful feed from Declan Ritchie. Chris Blair then scored next on a beautiful shot while killing a penalty. It ended up being a shorthanded game winning goal. Nick Cotton added the insurance marker. Overall, it was a great rebound performance for the Dante Club Devils, putting them back in the thick of the race for first place in the playoffs. The next game is Saturday Feb 20 with another 8 a.m. start. Rest up team!!