Post by alphalackey on Apr 4, 2024 16:32:19 GMT -7
Chelsea @ Houston:
Definitely a much different vibe this season for the home finale down in the Energy City, with the lingering buzz of a possible playoff appearance for the team in their second season. The energy would kick up a notch when Kevin Labanc scored at 12:48 to give the home team a 1-0 lead, before Bjugstad tied it up late in the first. After a scoreless second, an early third period goal by the miraciously-not-injured Gabe Vilardi gave the road team a 2-1 lead, which they would hold for most of the third.
It took most of the third period before Sundogs captain Elias Petterson continued his dominant season with his 21st(!) goal of the year at 15:12, all but single-handedly dragging his team to the finish line.
Although the Sundogs did get a few chances, the OT was dominated by Chelsea, whose total control of the puck in the last minute ended any hopes of the Sundogs getting that second point; Bjugstad's OT winner near the end was almost academic.
Sundogs lose their last home game 3-2, but snag an extremely important point.
Houston @ Chelsea:
With Chelsea having the luxury of the last change, the Sundogs' One True Line was largely kept in check, but this opened the door for the Sundogs second line to take the stage. A scoreless game was broken exactly halfway through with Calle Jarnkrok's team-second-best 9th goal, and Eberle followed up late in the second. An early third period goal by Pavel Zacha seemed to finish off the home team's resolve; eventually, a mid-period goal by the biggest name in hockey, Jonathan Marchessault, would break Saros' bid for his first shutout, but the door was shut after that, giving the Sundogs a 3-1 road win and two more huge points.
All in all, Saros picked a fine time to return to form, stopping 12 of 16 shots and allowing the out-chanced Sundogs to take 3 of 4 points and cinch their first above-0.500 season. Yes, yes, I know, ".550 is the new .500".
Final game tomorrow in Cremona, featuring the traditional Commissioner's Fireside Chat.
Definitely a much different vibe this season for the home finale down in the Energy City, with the lingering buzz of a possible playoff appearance for the team in their second season. The energy would kick up a notch when Kevin Labanc scored at 12:48 to give the home team a 1-0 lead, before Bjugstad tied it up late in the first. After a scoreless second, an early third period goal by the miraciously-not-injured Gabe Vilardi gave the road team a 2-1 lead, which they would hold for most of the third.
It took most of the third period before Sundogs captain Elias Petterson continued his dominant season with his 21st(!) goal of the year at 15:12, all but single-handedly dragging his team to the finish line.
Although the Sundogs did get a few chances, the OT was dominated by Chelsea, whose total control of the puck in the last minute ended any hopes of the Sundogs getting that second point; Bjugstad's OT winner near the end was almost academic.
Sundogs lose their last home game 3-2, but snag an extremely important point.
Houston @ Chelsea:
With Chelsea having the luxury of the last change, the Sundogs' One True Line was largely kept in check, but this opened the door for the Sundogs second line to take the stage. A scoreless game was broken exactly halfway through with Calle Jarnkrok's team-second-best 9th goal, and Eberle followed up late in the second. An early third period goal by Pavel Zacha seemed to finish off the home team's resolve; eventually, a mid-period goal by the biggest name in hockey, Jonathan Marchessault, would break Saros' bid for his first shutout, but the door was shut after that, giving the Sundogs a 3-1 road win and two more huge points.
All in all, Saros picked a fine time to return to form, stopping 12 of 16 shots and allowing the out-chanced Sundogs to take 3 of 4 points and cinch their first above-0.500 season. Yes, yes, I know, ".550 is the new .500".
Final game tomorrow in Cremona, featuring the traditional Commissioner's Fireside Chat.
