FINAL from Appleton: Saints 4, Purple Eagles 3
What a great time for the blog to come back up.
McKenzie, Cunningham and Flanagan (gw) all scored in the third period. I'll create a new post here soon with the game-winning video highlight and interview with McKenzie and Flanagan.
Third period notes
Great glove save by Noonan on a three-on-one attack.
END OF SECOND PERIOD
Second period impressions
The Saints still aren't playing really that poorly. They're getting a little reckless/careless with the puck, but that appears to be a result of trying to be aggressive. Kyle Flanagan finally got a shot to go in. He's had a number of close-range efforts thwarted. McKenzie seems to be out of it. He's either getting roughed up physically or mentally. Either way, he's made a few big mistakes. He did assist on the Saints only goal.
Hopefully the blog doesn't die again in the third period. Saints need to attack hard here early on.
Moss isn't playing nearly as well as he did last night, but Niagara is putting more traffic in front of him. Two scores have been off deflections, either by a Niagara or SLU player.
BOX SCORE
NU 3, SLU 1
First period: Mironov (Chartrain), 7:35
Second period: 2, Niagara, Gotto, 4:22; 3, NU, Hannan, 17:15; 3, SLU, Flanagan (McKenzie), 18:53 (pp)
Second period notes
McKenzie Penalty... Niagara 2-minute power play.
GOAL SLU Kyle Flanagan scores only 10 seconds into power play.
Penalty Niagara. SLU power play 1:17 left.
I'm back. Blog having issues still.
Niagara gets its third goal... this one by Jeff Hannan
Grotto scored to make it 2-0 on a George Hughes tip in
END OF FIRST PERIOD
First period Impressions
The Saints don't have much to be unhappy about other than giving up a goal. That score was deflected on a one-timer from the point. Still, St. Lawrence is taking more high-quality shots. One will fall soon. I have faith.
Moss doesn't look as good in net tonight as last night, but then again 42 saves is tough to match. He's 1-for-7 on saves. Eh, could be better. He seems to be losing sight of the puck, especially when it's behind the net.
Niagara is playing with speed, speed, speed. On top of it, the Purple Eagles are jawing with SLU players. Mike McKenzie seems most affected mentally. He's starting to go at it with players after every play.
I expect more of the same from the Saints and probably at least one puck to get by Chris Noonan. A disappointing crowd tonight.
BOX SCORE
NU 1, SLU 0
First period: 1, NU, Mironov (Chartrain), 7:35.
First period notes:
Couple good shots taken by the Saints. They're just not finding a hole right now.
Intensity is strong here for both teams nearing the end of the first period... Good game.
Ref blows play dead on a SLU rebound. Goalie did not have control. Blown potential opportunity.
Moss a little sloppy, almost got trapped behind the net for an easy Niagara goal.
Saints getting a lot of shots near the crease, can't quite put one through though. They will soon.
Penalty killed. Flanagan missed a centering pass for a SH goal.
Moss a good save on Niagara power play.
SLU penalty to Bollig. 4-on-4 for 30 seconds.
Kyle Flanagan misses at point blank range. 1:23 left on the pp.
Niagara penalty. SLU power play for next 2:00.
Goal Niagara Mironov (Chartrand). Mironov deflected Chartrand's shot. 7:35.
SLU looks good early, getting decent looks and controlling the tempo.
The blog is still kind of shaky, so if I disappear, that would be why.
Official start time: 7:01 p.m.
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Alex Petizian is feeling better after dealing with the flu and should be available next weekend. He was tossing a football around prior to the game.
Officials: (or as the press box notes say "Zeebs du Jour")
Referees: Eric Ernst, Derek Wahl.
Assistants: Scott Prim, Craig Funaro.
13 minutes and counting.
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The blog is having some issues, but hopefully they're resolved now. I was unable to post anything new for about 15 minutes.
The SLU run-through. This is what the Saints do just before heading to the locker room to change.
Extra game notes
St. Lawrence is coming off a thrilling 3-1 win over RIT last night, while Niagara lost a heartbreaker, 4-3, in overtime against Clarkson.
Jacob Drewiske will not play tonight. He has a severe contusion on his right knee. Sources say he is day-to-day but not today.
Robby Moss will start again tonight. An encore performance would make a sensational and probably record-setting weekend.
Starters
SLU (2-1)
Offense: Kyle Flanagan, Jeremiah Cunningham, Mike McKenzie.
Defense: Jeff Caister, Derek Keller.
Goalie: Robby Moss
Niagara (0-1-1)
Offense: Sam Goodwin, Ryan Olidis, Egor Mironov
Defense: Tyler Gotto, Tyler Matthews.
Goalie: Chris Noonan.
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Hello everyone. Here's a little something to get you started. It's how the Saints relax before games and Jeremiah Cunningham isn't very good at it.
Mark Armstrong explains the game.
