The Heartland Red Liners faced off with the Snatchers in the second of their back-to-back games. Their opponents have become unbeatable with a combination of good goaltending and superior offensive players. But using new skills practiced in the Instructional ice slots, the Liners pushed the game into OT. Unfortunately, they would go scoreless in the shootout and lose 1-0.
The Snatchers leapt to a 2 goal lead early in the first period after creating traffic in front of Rocket, the Liners’ goalie. But the Liners would get on the scoreboard after a slapshot from Sobey. The guys in red would tie it up after popping in a lose puck. Who the goal should be awarded to is a mystery at this time.
The second period was a scoreless affair for both teams. Powerplays were awarded to both sides but neither could capitalize on it. Franco was called for roughing. The third period continued the back and forth play from both teams. Kodi would give the Liners their first lead of the game. Sobey bounced a pass back to Kodi who fired a slapshot that deflected off a skate and through the Snatchers’ netminders’ five hole. In the waining minutes of the game, the Snatchers termed up the firepower by putting out their top forwards. Their efforts were reward after a slapshot from blue line slipped into the back of the Liners’ net.
A three vs. three shootout ensued. The Snatchers’ first attempt was stopped by Rocket. For the Liners’ first attempt, Evan could power his shot past the goalie. The Snatchers’ second attempt was successful. The Liners’ second attempt by Big Daddy was blocked as well. Rocket positioned himself perfectly to force a poor shot on the Snatchers’ third attempt. The Doctor, Chris S, just barely missed dekeing the goalie to try to tie up the score. With the single goal, the Snatchers claimed another victory and left a close lose for the Liners.
The Liners are continuing to improve. It is quite obvious that they are much better and organized now than at the start of the season. They will continue to work on skating, passing, shooting, and positioning in the coming weeks. No practice for them this coming Sunday (Superbowl Sunday). However, they will meet up with the Blades of Steel next Monday (Feb 3) at 10:30pm.