Panthers snap losing streak with win over Tigers
Teams would combine to score six goals in the middle frame, including four from the Panthers.
The UPEI Panthers came out victorious Friday night for the first time since an October 13th with a 5-4 victory over the Dalhousie Tigers.
The Panthers found themselves behind 2-0 halfway through the first period on goals by Conner Donaghey, and Jonathan Cyr. However, UPEI edged the Tigers 9-8 on the shot clock. A late Tigers penalty would end up costing them early in the second as the Panthers connected 32 seconds into the frame to cut the lead to one.
Charlottetown native, Kameron Kielly provided the first strike for the Panthers, Gabe Guertler, and Ryan Mackinnon helped make the play happen. Two minutes later, Kielly would strike again on a play set up by Alex McQuaid and Marcus Power. Kielly added to his point streak now extended to four games, it was also the freshman's first two goal game of his AUS career.
The Tigers would pull back in front with another goal from Donaghey a minute later, however, the lead would only last for a few short minutes, when a Colton Heffley boarding penalty led to a Darcy Ashley power play goal. Heffley, would make up for his costly penalty by regaining a Tigers lead 8:59 into the middle frame, Mike Evelyn, and Chandler Yakimowicz helped make the goal happen. With six minutes to go, RT Rice would bury his first goal of the season to tie the game up at four heading into the final period.
In the third, the Panthers netminder, Matt Mahalak made a nice save off of a Josh Worthen breakaway, it was one of Mahalak's 18 saves on the night. Summerside native, Ryan Mackinnon, provided the game winning goal following a nice play to shed a Tiger's defender at the blueline and get a quality shot off in the slot. The Panthers would set up an excellent screen in front and goaltender Colton Boes didn't have a chance.
The Panthers improve their record to 3-8-0, and pull in front of the 2-9-0 Tigers in the AUS standing. UPEI will face-off against the St.FX X-Men Saturday night at MachLauchlan Arena, puck drop is 7pm.