The importance on Monday night’s game with Orangeville
appeared to be lost on many of the Avalanche players. A win would put Ancaster in the drivers seat, however a home ice
loss would force Ancaster to return to Orangeville in a must win, or worse, situation.
Ancaster put early pressure on the Orangeville net, but quality scoring opportunities were rare. Having spent time practicing power play situations, the 6 minutes of power play time in the first period on Monday was for naught as Ancaster could not establish any chemistry. Puck movement was not a quick and crisp as practiced.
With a scoreless first period out of the way, the intensity magnified. Ancaster was given 3 more powerplay opportunities in period 2 and finally took advantage. Mark’s shot bounced off an Orangeville defender into the net. Not pretty but it counted.
Orangeville got the goal back when they took advantage of a lazy forecheck and a defensive mix up. The Orangeville player blew by 2 flat footed Ancaster defenseman for a breakaway goal and a tie game.
Andrew netted Ancaster’s second powerplay goal but once again that lead was short lived when Orangeville tied things 2 minutes later.
Ancaster had a high speed 2 on 1 rush negated by a penalty behind the play. A second penalty on the penalty kill gave Orangeville an easy opportunity for the tying goal on a 5 on 3.
The teams entered the third period tied and the contest was now to see who wanted to be in the drivers seat more. With 4 minutes left the Orangeville player showed nice hands putting the puck behind Zack for the lead. A late tripping penalty on Ancaster killed any chance for the tie.
The boys now find themselves in a very difficult spot, trailing Orangeville by 2 points with 2 games remaining. Any sense of urgency needed on Monday was absent, however it needs to present in the final 2 games.
Ancaster hosts Oakville on Monday night in hopes of gaining at least a point.
Hardhat - Connor