Outlaws Tranquilize Raptors in Defensive Affair. by J.Botchford Jr.
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Shoring up their defense after a trio of blow-outs the last few games, the Anaheim Outlaws (11-8-3) put on a defensive clinic against the Colorado Raptors (10-9-3). After suffering blowouts during their 3 game losing streak, losing 5-1, 6-4, 7-2, Anaheim limited Colorado to just 15 shots on net, and Strom Chamberlain took care of them all as he recorded his second shutout of the season.

With the defense doing their part in limiting Colorado to the perimeter for most of the game, Anaheim’s offence was able to solve an equally impressive outing from Samat Beibitzhanov. Ivan Maximus opened the scoring on the power play after Heat Siecker was called for Hooking. After tipping a shot by Leonid Kofix, Maximus picked up his own rebound and shot it top shelf, giving Anaheim the lead.

Anaheim doubled its lead midway through the second period, as Kevin Robinson scored the second and final goal of the game. Rhys Pritchard caught Robinson with a tape to tape stretch pass and Robinson made no mistake as he wired it past Beibitzhanov. It was all the defense needed as they shut down the high-powered offence of Colorado and preserved the shut-out for Chamberlain.

Anaheim wanted to put the memories of the lopsided defeats behind them as they buckled down in the third period. Colorado was unable to muster any offence amid Anaheim’s suffocating defense. Colorado was unable to put up a single shot on net in the third period, while Anaheim put up 13 on Colorado.

“We haven’t played to our full potential yet.” Maximus said after the game, “I know we have a lot more in our team than our record shows. Our rookies are getting chances and are getting more comfortable with each game, and I know we will be pushing for the championship this season.”

When asked about his performance at the end of the game, Chamberlain said “The defense did a fantastic job in front of me, limiting chances. Made my night extremely easy. This shutout was all because of them!”

Anaheim’s next game is on day 33 against Carolina, and Colorado will face St Louis on the same day.

Final Score  ANA (2) - (0) COL  

3 Stars of the Game
1 - Strom Chamberlain (ANA)
2 - Ivan Maximus (ANA)
3 - Rhys Pritchard (ANA)

1st period
Anaheim Outlaws - Ivan Maximus 4 (Leonid Kofix 13, Alex Petrenko 9) at 10:11 (PP)
Shots on Goal: Anaheim – 8, Colorado – 7 

2nd period
Anaheim Outlaws - Kevin Robinson 8 (Rhys Pritchard 9, Jacob Riley 6) at 12:43
Shots on Goal: Anaheim – 17 (9), Colorado – 15 (8)

3rd period
No Score
Shots on Goal: Anaheim – 30 (13), Colorado – 15 (0)