Tomahawks Topple Eagles 6-3
March 21, 2014 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Johnstown Tomahawks News Release
Make no mistake "" Friday night's tilt at the Cambria County War Memorial between Johnstown and Soo was a must-win game for the Tomahawks. That win seemed to be in doubt entering final period before the home team rose to the occasion with an explosive barrage of late powerplay goals to topple the visiting Eagles 6-3 and inch closer to a Robertson Cup playoff berth.
Soo opened scoring midway through the first period when Sandis Zolmanis found Michael Sabatini with a cross-crease pass following a Tomahawks turnover. With both Eagles approaching Johnstown goalie Alex Okicki on a breakaway, Sabataini tapped the puck in on the back hand past a sliding Okicki.
The Tomahawks answered just 20 seconds later at 7:54 with a goal of their own, when center Brandon Reinholz directed a face-off win to teammate Trevor Recktenwald, who caught Soo goaltender Paige Skoog napping with a quick snap-shot over the blocker for his ninth goal of the season.
The Tomahawks took a 2-1 lead early in the second period, when forward Jordan Watt scored his 20th goal of the year at 15:44 during a Johnstown power play. Watt held the puck in the high slot, picked his target, and fired a wrist shot under the glove of Skoog. Watt's goal was assisted by Shane Bednard and Mitch Hall.
The Eagles tied the game at 2-2 halfway through the second period at 11:29 during a power play, when forward Scott Cuthrell deflected a slapshot past Okicki. As the second period wound down, Soo defenseman Michael Caruso gave the Eagles a 3-2 lead when he shuffled a low wrist shot through traffic and behind Okicki.
That lead stood until 9:08 of the third, when the Tomahawks found themselves on a 5-on-3 powerplay after Soo's Trevor Boyd was ejected for spearing Jordan Watt. On the man advantage, Mitch Hall skated through the high slot and took a wrist shot that rang off the crossbar and bounced into the net for his 6th goal of the year, tying the game 3-3. The Tomahawks extended their lead seconds later on the ensuing 5-on-4 power play. After a quick breakout, Casey Linkenheld shot the puck off the pad of Skoog, followed up his own rebound and jammed it in the net for his 2nd goal of the season.
Johnstown wasn't done yet, as Brandon Reinholz beat Skoog with a quick low shot at 1:45 for his 17th of the season. Reinholz was assisted by Recktenwald and Tyler Basham.
Defenseman Shane Cuckovich added yet another score at 19:43, inflating the lead to three and solidifying the win even further.
Okicki made 23 of 26 saves, while Skoog stopped 30 of 36 shots. Johnstown was 5-for-5 on the powerplay, was Soo scored on two for three man-advantages.
The win moves Johnstown to 27-24-5 (59 points) on the season, while Soo falls to 23-26-7 (53 points). Johnstown remains in fourth place behind Janesville, but picked up a crucial point over Springfield (56 points). The top four teams in the North Division advance to the playoffs.
Johnstown and Soo continue the series Saturday and Sunday at the Cambria County War Memorial. Saturday's game begins at 7 p.m. For tickets or information, call 814-536-4625.
North American Hockey League Stories from March 21, 2014
- Bruins Maul Cats, Dickman Gets Record - Austin Bruins
- Wings WIN 3-2 in OT - Aberdeen Wings
- Tomahawks Topple Eagles 6-3 - Johnstown Tomahawks
- Penalties, Austin Stop Bobcats - Bismarck Bobcats
- Wichita Falls falls to Amarillo - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Jets topple Warriors 4-1 in opener of weekend series at Perani Arena - Michigan Warriors
- Warriors Schedule 3rd Period Make Up Game - Michigan Warriors
- Eagles Travel to Johnstown - Soo Eagles
- Out with a Bang - Minot Minotauros
- Fighting Falcons Look for Division Title in Wenatchee - Port Huron Fighting Falcons
- Wildcats Set to Lock Horns with Amarillo - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Wings Sign NA3HL Forward - Aberdeen Wings
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