Quite a few words describe the Panthers’ effort in this game – resilient, committed, determined, confident, and jubilant come to mind. As in the first game of this series, it was a 2-1 game until the dying minutes of the third period, but this time, Pickering held the lead over Trenton.
The Panthers appeared to take an early lead, as Joe Cadorin scored two minutes in, but the goal was disallowed as the Trenton net was slightly off its moorings. (Coincidentally, the net was again dislodged later in the game with the Panthers buzzing around the Trenton crease.) That didn’t seem to bother the Cats, as Joey Zhang tied the game at 15:49, deflecting Sam Ethier’s point shot, with Cadorin also assisting.
Zhang scored what proved to be the game-winner at 12:43 of the second period, tucking in Andre Mondoux’s rebound, with Joseph Crngarov also picking up an assist. That was all the Panthers needed, as they continued to execute their game plan to perfection, blocking shots, providing solid goaltending, and frustrating Trenton’s potent offense to shut them down.
Their joy was palpable as they scored two insurance goals into an empty net in the final two minutes. Cadorin made it 3-1 at 18:48 (assisted by Crngarov and Wilson), and Chen added the fourth goal at 19:03 (assisted by Key and Dunning).
Gavin Betts had a great night in net, making 37 saves on 38 shots.
Pickering will look to replicate this effort in Game 3 in Trenton on Tuesday night, March 11, at 7:30 PM.
