The Jr. Blues were up to the challenge Friday night, as they took on the St. Louis Bandits at the Hardee’s Ice Complex. The Blues were outshot 42-27 but won a hard fought battle. The game started with Joe Kalisz scoring first for the Bandits, just 3:59 into the first period. The Bandits seemed to control the first period, as the Blues employed a dump and chase method to their offense. T.J. Poganski was assessed two penalties, holding and hooking, but the Bandits could not capitalize. The Blues finished the period with gusto, as Ethan Nauman tied the game with just twenty-two seconds remaining in the period.
Continuing with the momentum from the first period, Wally Cossette came up the wing and fired a shot past goaltender Jimmy Hamby. The Blues maintained their control throughout the period, as their physical presence came out to play. The team continued their offensive control and had a powerful fore check through the neutral zone. Poganski was assessed another penalty, as well as teammate Ross Anderson. The two were both penalized for tripping. Although the second period was in the Blues’ favor, the period ended with the shots even at ten.
Just as the third period got underway, Ryan Stouffer netted a goal for the Bandits 51 seconds in. The goal would be the only one in the final period, with both teams playing neck and neck. St. Louis went 0-4 on the powerplay with the Blues’ defense and goaltender Andrew Martin playing at the top of their game. Springfield was out shot in the third 15-8. And overtime was evident. With just 20 seconds left in the overtime period, Jack Callahan blasted the game -winning goal past the St. Louis netminder. The penalties were slanted to the Blues side but were able to overcome on the road. The Two teams conclude their weekend, Tomorrow night at the Franklin P. Nelson Center in Springfield.
