St Louis and Anchorage clash once again in the Sullivan Center. These two teams, both aiming for deep playoff runs are looking for more momentum as the season continues. Both teams have struggled in this season and no one is truly sure as to why. Both teams feature talented offensives and the same strong play that they showcased last season. One thing is for sure though, these teams are struggling but not for lack of trying as this game would showcase. A brutal matchup that was back and forth the entire way. Let’s see how this one shook out:


St Louis went out early to try and push around the Armada with strong offensive presence but unlike previous games, Anchorage would not let the Scarecrows push them around. Both teams fought each other hard and got good chances each but neither could truly capitalize. Both goalies were excellent in this period but then in the span of 15 seconds, the game changed. St Louis would get on the board first with a beautiful goal by Danny Marston, his 8th of the campaign. James Ronlain managed to get Ian Venables out of position long enough for Marston to collect the rebound and score the goal. Anchorage however, responded in kind. Led by reigning MVp Daniel Bischoff, the top line of Anchorage countered back and Mitchell van der Heijden scored a beautiful one timer to even up the score going into the break.

Score:
1-1 



As intense as the first period was, the second period made it look like a Peewee game in comparison. 27 shots were recorded in the period as both teams played like their lives depended on it. Just this one period alone convinced many in the crowd that if Anchorage and St Louis met in the playoffs, it would go seven games and be a glorious series. Even with all the intensity and fire, only one goal was scored. Ruslan Zaporozhets would take advantage of the relative inexperience of Anchorage’s rookie line (Santtu Rasanen, Braden Lowrie and Chris de Siren) and grab a beautiful goal from James Ronlain, it would be Ruslan’s 9th on the season. Anchorage, despite taking a penalty late, kept fighting onward and tried as best they could to even the score but the period ended with the Armada on the back foot.

Score:
2-1 



Despite playing two physically exhausting, emotionally draining periods of hockey, The Armada came out like a Cannon blast. They literally threw themselves at the Scarecrows, battering them with shot after shot. Finally, after 5 minutes of intensive play, the Armada tied the game. Danny White collected his own rebound and slotted it past Jason Voorhees for his 7th on the year and a tie game. The scarecrows found their footing after the goal and fought back hard with Danny Marston once again making himself know in proceedings and scoring his 9th of the season, once again the scarecrows taking advantage of the Rookie Line of Anchorage. Then Mega Tron took a Roughing Penalty and it was like Anchorage decided that this would be where they made their final stand. They threw themselves at Vorhees and found their opening. In a shockingly similar way as the first period, van der Heijden scored his 2nd goal of the evening, 10th of the season and tied the game at 3. Both sides wouldn’t give each other an inch but the goalies played lights out hockey after this and forced the game into Overtime.

Score:

3-3 

OT:

It was finally here, after 60 minutes of intense play where we saw both teams fade. Only 1 shot recorded on target for each team as many shots went well wide of the net. These warriors were exhausted but tried desperately to keep the fires alive for victory. After 5 minutes, the score was still tied and thus, the game went to the Shootout

SO:

The game would be decided here and both goalies, tired and battered had to find one more gear. In this instance, the veteran presence of Ian Venables shone through. Ruslan Zaporozhets would miss the net with his shot while van der Heijden would score. Trey Nets just barely beat Venables but Daniel Bischoff responded with a goal of his own. Round 3 loomed at the Scarecrows had one last chance. James Ronlain came in with whatever speed he had left but Ian Venables would make a beautiful pad save, ending this intense game with a well-deserved win for the Armada. 





3 Stars:

1 - Danny Marston (STL)
2 - Mitchell van der Heijden (ANC)
3 - James Ronlain (STL)