Try as they might, the 'Nooks could not buy a goal tonight. With 50 shots on net, Kevin Murdock probably sealed his bid for goaltender of the week after this series. It was just unreal to watch, the 'Nooks would get a shot on net, get the rebound and it would go nowhere. Rinse and repeat that 48 times and you have tonight's game in a nutshell. At least it wasn't for a lack of trying.
Anyway, the first period started tonight very fast. Both teams were really full of energy and had a lot of jump to their step. Also very offensive as the Nanooks racked up 35 attempted shots, with 19 of them making it on net. The Nanooks had their offensive chances but couldn't break through as Murdock was on top of his game again.
With Max Dumond in the box, Laker captain Domenic Monardo capitalized on the opportunity with a wrister past the blocker of Sean Cahill from the right face off circle. Nanooks had a man advantage opportunity of their own a few minutes later, and was able to put 7 shots on net, but couldn't get one through.
The second period was much the same way. The Nanooks controlled play, got a ton of shots and chances but couldn't buy a goal. Play started to get a bit chippy out there after Lake State got up by 2 goals. 9 penalties in total were called, but most of them offsetting. LSSU did get a goal scrambling in front of the net by Dan Radke.
In the third, Kevin Czuczman extended the lead for the Lakers to 3-0, but the Nanooks weren't done yet. Andy Taranto broke the goose egg with just over 5 minutes left to play. Then with 1:38 to play, Sean Cahill came off the ice for the extra attacker. Then after a timeout, Adam Henderson draws up a beauty of a faceoff play as he feeds Andy Taranto who rips it right off the post and in with his second goal of the night to bring the 'Nooks within 1. But with Cahill still on the bench, the Lakers were able to ice it with an empty-netter by Dan Radke for his second of the game.
A tough loss at home to close out parents' weekend. The post-game social at Tubby's was a little glum, unfortunately I wasn't able to stay long. For those families I didn't catch up with, thanks a lot for coming and supporting your son and the team. I know it means a lot to them, and I hope you had a good time while you were in town.
The 'Nooks hit the road for Ohio State this week, who went 1-0-1 at Bowling Green this weekend, and falling in the shootout. The Nanooks are now in a 6-way tie for 1st now, but again, very early in the season. It's always a race, but getting off to a good start sets the tone later in the season. Hopefully the offense can put a few more up on the board next weekend, but as long as its more than Ohio State can put up I'll be a happy guy. Go 'Nooks!
2 comments:
Actually, OSU had a bye this past weekend, so they will be a well rested and eager team for this next series. I believe it is their CCHA home opener. Not sure I’d give a freshman goaltender his first CCHA start on the road, but I’d sure like to see Keeney get another chance in net for the Nooks.
My bad. Didn't look at the dates close enough.
OSU is a pretty tough team, and its always hard to win on the road. Truth be told, its always a battle for who gets the nod in net every weekend. And none of the goalies we have have put together a complete series yet.
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