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OLT Stuns Nationwide 4-3 Complete Team Effort Propels Edge
For the first time in many sessions, OLT defeated arch-nemesis Nationwide by a score of 4-3. The games are always tight, but Nationwide inevitably comes out on top. Not this time. Center Scott Morris opened the scoring on a goal the Nationwide netminder would like to have back just 2:15 into the initial stanza. Defenseman Kevin Ellis assisted. Nationwide scored two in the balance of the period and went up 2-1. It was a period both goalies would like to forget. OLT fought back in the second, and as the Nationwide goalie continued to look shaky, John Mathias looked stronger between the pipes for OLT. OLT's goals in the second were by way of left winger Dan Harker and prolific defenseman Andrew Robison, both unassisted. Nationwide tied the contest and the middle stanza concluded in a 3-3 deadlock. OLT kept battling and Robison bulged the twine for the second time on the evening with 5:25 remaining and this proved to be the game winner. One this decisive tally, defenseman-converted-left winger Mike Carroll met a Nationwide defenseman at the offensive blue line, turning the puck over to the omnipresent Larry "LB" Vozar. The crusty center clawed the puck over to Robison who made a nifty deke and backhander to put OLT up to stay. OLT had a 5-on-3 late in the game and moved the puck around effortlessly, content to kill the clock. Nationwide pulled their goalie in the final 80 seconds and had plenty of chances, only to be thwarted by the determined OLT defense and goaltending. Scott Morris made the defensive play of the night, "clearing" the biscuit out of harms way in the waning seconds. This was a big win for the boys in white, red and blue heading into the final three games of the session as playoff positioning will be determined. Take nothing away from OLT.....despite the struggles in net for Nationwide, OLT was the better team, playing strong positional play, getting to the loose pucks, creating chances, and protecting their net in the defensive zone. Next week OLT looks to win their third straight against the Massive Gongers. See you there! |
