Recent games between Spring Lake Park and T-G have been close and hotly contested, where the outcome was not decided until the 3rd period.  Tonight’s game followed the same script.  As was the case in their earlier meeting this season, T-G took a lead into the final 17 minutes, but they were not able to hold onto it as the Panthers defeated the Eagles 2-1.

Following a contentious JV game that saw players from both teams ejected, the Varsity game started off with the same competitive spirit.  The first period was as even as it could be, as each team had 5 shots, both teams each won 5 face-offs, and the teams left the ice scoreless.

Play opened up more in the second period.  There were more scoring opportunities for both teams and what has been the case in past games, the goaltending was also very strong.  Amelia Vosen and Kristen Dellich broke in on a 2 on 1 at the 10:39 mark, only to be turned away by SLP sophomore netminder Mackensay Kelly.  Logan Knip came up with a dazzling save with 3:18 remaining on a perfect setup pass to an oncoming Panther forward coming down the slot.  Kristen Dellich later fed a pass to Molly Adam in front of the SLP net, but her shot went just wide.  Molly had a very strong game throughout the contest, but was not rewarded with a goal.  T-G finally broke the deadlock with 1:12 to go in the period.  Allison Parnell won the draw deep in her own end over to Marie Sedesky.  Marie fed it to Catherine Hegedus who raced up the ice and found Abby Huber just above the circles in the Panther zone who fired a shot up and over the SLP goaltender’s right shoulder that fell just across the goal line to give the Eagles a 1-0 lead.  For Abby, it was her 5th goal of the season, and her 3rd goal in the last 4 games.  T-G would once again enter the final period with the lead, but just as the second period ended, the Eagles were whistled for a penalty and would start the 3rd period shorthanded.  This was the break SLP was looking for.

With the player advantage to start the final period, the Panthers applied the pressure.  On their third shot of the powerplay, they tied the game on a shot that Logan Knip had no chance on.  SLP continued to press the attack as they shortened their bench for the period.  This strategy paid off as they enjoyed the territorial advantage.  With just 3:38 remaining and the Panthers again on the powerplay, SLP forward Taylor Turnquist scored her second goal of the period for the game winner.  T-G pulled their goaltender for the final 1:18, but they were not able to get the equalizer.  The Panthers had the shot advantage in the contest, 28-21.

The Eagles will next host St. Francis at Northeast Ice Arena on Tuesday at 7:00pm.