The Duel

SMJHL enthusiasts were talking about it all day. Detroit vs. Kelowna, a battle for the first spot in the league, with two very hot first lines and goalies. It was going to be a treat!

Unfortunately for some, and fortunately for others, we saw not only a low-scoring affair, but a low shot total from both teams. Not only this, the highly anticipated matchup between the Knutsen/Tankovic/Roenick and Novotny/Pucheese/Gutierrez lines was not an offensive one, but a defensive bout, as neither team wanted to give an edge to the opposition's best players! This allowed second line players to shine on both teams, as we saw Khabib Nurmagomedov and Kalevolaripaavo Kaspertommevisnapuu exchange crucial goals for their respective team, late in the third period. And while some were ready for a great goaltending showdown, especially coming into overtime, Tah Puhcheese beat Emiko Spector pretty early, closing the curtains on what was a tight, but somewhat drab game for a neutral. But looking at the standings, we could see this game as the turning point in the standings, as Kelowna are edging closer and closer to Detroit. It'll be a tight race to the finish line!

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