The first period started out with the Blades looking like they had a chance. Unfortunately, the Stingrays were able to convert just after their first power play ended. The Blades power play a few minutes later didn't accomplish anything. Two Stingrays goals in the closing minutes saw the Blades leave the ice down 3-0. Right now this game is looking like one of those games...
The second period was a little less painful. A goal at the 4:45 mark by Milan Gajic narrowed the stingrays lead to only two goals. The rest of the period was rather uneventful. Neither the Blades or Stingrays were able to convert their power plays, and (thanks to Becks) the Stingrays were not able to score during the period. The period ended with the score at 3-1. The end of the period also saw Brady Calla drop the gloves and get into a scuffle.
Check back for the third period. It still might get better...
Guess who called it? Calla's fight must have really pumped the Blades up because they scored three goals in the third period. The first goal from Kevin Baker at 1:34 narrowed the score to 3-2. The Stingrays pulled ahead once again with a power play goal, but Baker notched another tally 40 seconds later to make it 4-3. Thanks to a goal by Ernie Hartlieb the Blades were able to tie it up 4-4. With no one able to score in the closing minutes the game went to overtime (and the Blades earned a much needed point).
The Everblades dominated the Stingrays for the early part of OT and had some great chances. Th Stingrays took a stupid tripping penalty, allowing the Blades to go on the power play. Kevin Baker decided it was time for a power play goal and got one past the Stingrays goalie to win. That goal not only earned them the win it earned Baker the hat-trick! The final score was 5-4 (game sheet here)
It was a great game, and the Blades deserved the win. Calla's fight was definetly the turning point in the game. All the Blades need to do is keep up the winning ways when they take the Stingrays on again tomorrow afternoon. I don't think there will be any live blog for that game. The gold medal game between the US and Canada will be my last chance to adore Zach Parise and Ryan Miller. I'll try to get at least a re-cap up, but the bets are off if I have too much fun...
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