So THAT’S how you play a second half…
For the first time this year the Roughnecks passed on the opportunity to turn a first half romp into a second half disaster, taking a 16-13 win out of San Jose Friday night
After falling behind early, the Riggers went on a 7-1 tear in the second quarter to lead 11-7 at the half. Up until now, that’s been a cue for a parade to penalty box and the subsequent defensive collapse that had the Roughnecks at 0-2 heading in. This time, the defense kept it smart taking only 4 minors in the second half and allowing only one powerplay goal. Even so, things got a little more interesting than they had to be late in the 4th, thanks to two late markers for San Jose with the net empty making the score 15-13 with 24 seconds to go. Ryan McNish played comeback killer with an empty netter to put it away.
The team will spend the night in San Jose, getting an early wake up for a flight that’ll get them back to Calgary just after noon, followed by a quick snooze and a trip to the ‘Dome to face Portland Saurday night at 7:30, and a chance to even their record at 2-2.
A few quick notes:
-Great two man kill by the Roughnecks midway through the second quarter. Not only did 3 hold off 5 for more than a minute, Bruce Codd scored just as the second penalty expired to make it 9-7…re-establishing a little momentum after the Stealth had scored just before the first penalty to pull within 1.
-Stealth coach Walt Christianson had a Captain Hook act blow up in is face. Anthony Cosmo got the yank after Andrew McBride scored 35 seconds after Codd. Enter Aaron Bold to shake it up, Scott Ranger scores on the first and only shot Bold faces. Re-enter Mr. Cosmo.
-Tough night for Nolan Heavenor. Not only did he take two minors of his own, he also sat two bench minors for illegal substitution.
-Leading scorer for the Roughnecks was Jeff Shattler with 4 goals and 4 assists. Scott Ranger was 2 and 5 for 7, Kaleb Toth and Lewis Ratcliff each had 5 point nights with 3 and 2 goals respectively.
-Colin Doyle, Jeff Zywicki and Gary Rosyski each had hat tricks for the Stealth.
-Gotta love watching those internet broadcasts of the other team’s jumbotron feed so you can keep track of everyone’s lame in-house promotions. Kurt Silcott, if you ever consider Mascot lacrosse at halftime…I will personally dangle you over the pressbox catwalk by your heels until you promise never to do it again.