CLUTCH GOALTENDING SAVES TIE

Pownal Red Devils played a solid full game but it was Carson Gray’s blockbuster save in the last dying seconds of the third that secured the all-important tie in this critical game. “I had a power dinner I guess,” commented Carson when asked what he ate for dinner to play as he did.  The Red Devils and Sherwood Falcons thrilled the fans with end to end action ending in a 2 – 2 tie.  Both teams are fighting for the last playoff spot entering the last month of the regular season.
 
Sherwood opened the scoring with only 27 seconds left in the first period and the Red Devils having just successfully killed off a penalty.  The second period was scoreless as both teams defended strongly and missed opportunities.  Pownal’s defense broke up plays and was greatly assisted by strong back checking from the Devil’s forwards. Ryan Dixon contributed to the defensive line once again as he filled in for a sick Seth MacLeod.  Devil’s forwards impressed the fans executing passes deep in Sherwood’s zone.
 
The air was tense as the puck was dropped in the third. A quick goal by Sherwood gave the Falcons a 2-0 lead.  Cole McKeigan answered back with an unassisted goal cutting the gap to one once again. Mid-way through the third period, Pownal found itself in a two player disadvantage being caught with too many men on the ice despite Coach Jonathon’s valiant efforts to lift his defense off the ice!  But the Red Devils hung on and successfully killed off both penalties. With only 44 seconds left in the game, Simon Hughes fed Cole who found the back of Sherwood’s net to tie the game 2-2.  It would be the big pads and moves of goalie Carson who ensured the tie for Pownal stopping a last attempt by the Falcons in the final second of the game.  “Carson came up big tonight with that last save,” commented Coach Cory.  “I thought the boys moved the puck around really good the last couple of games and this game was no exception. They have theirs heads up spotting that open man, and are including the Defense in their offensive plays. We could introduce more speed when passing but the passing is definitely a start.  Our D was strong on the line tonight moving the puck up ice, keeping shots outside, and playing man to man very well. Forwards were buzzing all night playing in all zones and Carson Grey played very well for us tonight making some key saves late in the game to make sure we split the 2 points."
 
The Red Devils continue to be one point ahead of the Falcon’s with tonight’s tie.  Pownal meets Sherwood two more times in back to back games before the season ends.  Next game for the Red Devils is Sunday, February 9 in their last regular season meeting with King’s County.