With the revamps lineup, the guys in red met up with an old foe, the Snatchers. As in previous matchups, everyone expected a tough game and they were not disappointed. The first period was a draw as neither team could find the back of the net. Wave after wave of shots and offensive pressure by the Liners were throw at the Snatcher goalie. However, he stood on his head and kept the Liners scoreless. The second period began the same way but the Three Amigos (Mortio, Mike-o, and Jay-o) would strike first. A scramble in front of the net had Mortio crashing the net and wrist the puck which rebound to a cross skating Jay-o who backhanded it into the net. The Snatchers did come at the Liners with a few breakaways but Rocket and his harem of defensemen corralled the pucks and cleared them.
The third period had the opposite amount of action as the other periods. Both sides turned up their energy to counteract their opponents attacks. Stingy would push the Liners goal lead to two after firing a slapshot from the point and into the upper net. The Snatchers then doubled their effort and scored back to back goals by catching the Liners off guard in their zone. As the period was going to close, the Liners tried to regain the lead and avoid OT. This time, Kev, would be the hero. His cat-like tenacity which was challenged by several bodychecks was rewarded as he popped Stengy’s blue line slapshot rebound just past the Snatcher netminder.
With new and improved Red Liners are showcasing more of their learned skills with a more balanced and supporting team on the ice. They hope to go 3-0 in their next game, Sunday, April 19 at 8:40pm, against Jokerit.