Playing against the Rats always brings a sense of trepidation in the North Shore Red Liners. But knowing they have already between then two previous times, the confidence of the Guys and Gal in red increased at the time of the puck drop. While it took a period for the Liners’ offense to get started, they would eventually carry the offensive momentum to the end of the final horn and win 4-2.
The first period was all Rats and almost was foreboding for the Liners. The Rats scored first off a clearing pass at the Liners’ netminder. The puck would bounce and slip through the goalie’s five-hole. A few minutes later, the Rats would tack on a second goal off a loose rebound.
But the Red Liners regrouped for the start of the second period with their trademark “CGHeyy!” cheer. The Liners first goal would come off a 4-on-4 with Twank and Mr. B crashing the net on a breakaway and Twank firing the puck just over the Rats’ goalie. Minutes later, it would be Mr. B who would crash the net and deking the Rats’ defense and firing a shot just past the Rats’ goalie. With the new found confidence,the Liners continued the offensive pressure with Bleech lasering a wrist shot from the far point that was partially blocked by the Rats’ netminder and dribble into the net. On the opposite end, the Liners’ defense insisted in minimizing shots on the Liners’ netminder by forcing opponents to go wide of the net.
With the Liners now in the lead, the Rats upped their offensive attack in the third period. The Liners’ goalie, Mr. Lee, continued his improved play with stopping several attempts inside the near post but blocking them with his leg pad against the post. The Liners would get an insurance goal in the closing minutes as Toto popped in a loose rebound in front of the Rats’ net.
The win provided more confidence for the team that was able to build up confidence against a strong opponent. A further challenge will be playing in another game just two days later against a stronger opponent, the Meatheads. They may need more of good luck charms such as the one in today’s game. Queen Anne taped a small rat stuffed animal (from a prize machine) to the top of her skate. It wasn’t hit throughout the game.