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Lizard Clamps Down Defensively, Shuts Out Rusty Pucks 2-0 Key Saves, Timely Goal Key To Victory
The Lizard was in desperate need of a victory last night. They came into the game with an 0-2 record after a miserable first game loss in which they played terrible and a tough loss last week although they played well. To say this game was a must win may be to early in the season, but a loss would not bode well for the Lizard. Fortunately, strong defensive play helped the Lizard secure their first victory of the session. The game was a defensive struggle through almost all three periods of the game. Lizard goalie John Mathias was stout in net, making key saves throughout. The defense clamped down despite being short handed with veteran Tim Rieder on the IR after shoulder surgery and Jeff McGuire out of the lineup for personal reasons. "There was someone always backing someone up tonight," Lizard captain Steve Roth said. "Good back checking by the forwards tonight When they do that, they help us defenseman greatly." The Lizard looked like they took a 1-0 lead early in the third period as Kevin Henry carried the puck down deep, made a move and top shelfed the puck for a goal. However, the goal was quickly waved off as there was a Lizard player in the crease. The Lizard finally broke the 0-0 tie late in the third period on a goal from grizzled veteran defenseman Craig Smith. Center Kevin Henry, who was hustling all over the ice during the game, flipped the puck up to the point to Smith. Smith wound up and let a shot go that found the back of the net. "There was traffic in front of the net," Smith recalled. "There was a good screen and the puck went in." The Rusty Pucks pulled their goalie with a minute left in the game, but the Lizard iced it when Henry scored an empty netter with a long back hand shot to put the Lizard up 2-0 and on to eventual victory. "It was a good win," Smith said. "You may notice we won without McGuire here. The two games he played we lost. The one game he misses, we won. Coincidence?" |
