In the first of two back-to-back games against the Whalers, the Heartland Liners put up a good fight but the short-benched Whalers plus substitutes proved too much for the guys in red.
The Whalers would get on the board first early in the first period but Sam the Man would tie up the score minutes later with an unassisted goal of his own. But the Whalers but again retake the lead but Sam the Man again would tie up the score. The first period would end with both teams tied.
The second period would start out with another goal by the Whalers to take a 4-2 lead. But again, Sam the Man would stuff in a loose puck by the far post to pull the Liners within 1 goal. Unfortunately, league rules stated no player could score than 3 goals in a game. So any goals that he scored woudl not be counted. With that, the other offensive lines tried to jump on scoring threats. But the period would close with another Whalers goal to increase their lead back to 2 goals (5-3).
The third period was a more physical version of the second period. Lines on both sides were jostling in front of nets, the slot, and at the points. The Whalers would notch another goal (their sixth) before the Liners were get back on the board. During a delay-of-game power play, Evan was able to slam in a loose rebound off Mikey’s pass to the net. Unfortunately, the Whalers would add two more goals and push the score to the final 8-4.
This game was a bit more difficult as the forward lines had changed. Jake as moved to center from his typical right wing position. The substitutes for the Whalers were strong players who complimented that team’s quick offensive style. The Liners will have another chance in 24 hours to get back at the Whalers and try to make the game more competitive.