Sports
Ohio Hockey falls to Pitt 2-1 in game two of series
By: Andrew Bowlby
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Ohio Hockey was set to host a catfight on Saturday night against the Pittsburgh Panthers.
The two teams met 24 hours prior in an Ohio seven to one win. Ohio forward Luc Reeve came into the game leading the ACHA in goals and was second in points. After a three-point night in Friday’s meeting, Pittsburgh needed to slow him down to stand a chance.
Early in the first period, Pitt scored the first goal off the stick of Ben Oslick. Although Pitt got the opening tally Ohio controlled the period and answered promptly with a goal from Andrew Wells. Just five minutes into the period the score was already one to one.
Ohio was awarded two power plays in the opening period and created chances but were unable to score and take the lead. At the end of twenty minutes the two teams were tied in scoring but the Bobcats were in control by out shooting Pittsburgh 12 to five.
As the two teams hit the ice in the second period there was some de-ja-vu as the Panthers scored early again. This time in the first minute from team leading scorer Ben Leslie.
Once again Ohio was playing from behind.
Ohio spent the rest of the second period generating chances but was unable to cash in. Pittsburgh goalie Grant Lindsay was turning the Bobcats away time after time. After coming in for relief Friday night he was even better Saturday stopping 36 of 37 shots faced.
Ohio was trailing by one entering the third and it needed some sort of offensive spark. Instead of finding the game-tying goal from the offense Pittsburgh kept the Bobcats off their game by playing gritty and physical. After seemingly every whistle the players came face to face and this resulted in a parade to the penalty box. Pittsburgh was called for four penalties in the final period while Ohio was charged with seven.
Despite falling short head coach Lionel Mauron was still pleased with the way his team played.
“I think we dominated most of the game we just couldn’t finish,” Mauron said. “We out shot them by probably 30 we played most of the time in their zone I think we just lacked a little bit of maybe will to just finish our plays.”
Ohio’s lethal offense was held to a season-low one goal Saturday, and they will be eager to bounce back next week in a matchup against familiar opponent Maryville.