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)

Defense Stifles Raptors
It was all hands on deck for the Outlaws as they dominate this affair against the Colorado Raptors. The Raptors were only able to muster 15 shots against Strohm Chamberlain as the defense was able to keep Colorado on their heels for most of the night. Ursin Zimmerman and Nicholas Owens were directing traffic for the Outlaws. They were able to force turnovers and bad passes all night. Neither committed a penalty and were able to kill Colorado's lone opportunity on the one man advantage. Yompy Stearf, the second line defenseman, led the Outlaws in hits with 3 and also led the team with 3 shots blocked.

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107 words

Anaheim Back In the Win Column
It had been a tough couple games for Anaheim leading up to this game against the Colorado Raptors. Losers of 6 of their last 8 and only able to muster 5 points in that span dropped them from the upper echelon of teams in the standings to the middle of the pack. Everyone is fairly close in the standings but Anaheim is hoping that this win will propel them back to the top of the standings. With the loss tonight Colorado falls to 1 and 3 against the Outlaws and further into the middle pack of teams as we enter the middle stretch of games in this season.

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108 words

Take it to the Max
Ivan Maximus continues his stellar campaign and was firing shots all night enroute to this teams 2-0 win. He was able to get the Outlaws on the board midway through the first period during their powerplay. After Heat Sieker got called for a hooking minor it didn't take long for Ivan to make them pay. The Anaheim power play unit has been the best in the league so far this season and that didn't stop tonight. It was his 4th goal of the season to go along with 16 assists. It was Ivan's first power play goal of the season as he continues to be the catalyst to this Outlaws offense.

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111 words

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