LCAHL Playoff Game #4

The FireCats got off to a strong start, grabbing the early lead and not looking back during the first quarter. The FireCats had a 2-0 lead before the period was even 1/3 of the way over, and they added an additional goal to their lead before the period was halfway through. After a brief lull in the action, the Blizzard final broke the ice and scored a power play goal of their own, making the score 3-1 on Drew's roughing penalty. The FireCats got that goal back, though, scoring less than 30 seconds later to reclaim a three goal lead.

The second period was slow starting, as the FireCats spend the majority of the first 8 minutes in the penalty box. Thankfully their carelessness didn't cost them, but it was the Bay County team that scored first, narrowing the score to 4-2 in favor of Novi. Drew would draw a slashing penalty on the Blizzard team, and it would benefit the FireCats as they scored 20 seconds into the power play. A second FireCats power play led to their second goal of the period, as they would take a 6-2 lead into the final 15 minutes.

It was a good thing that the FireCats had the 4 goal lead, too, as they appeared to take the entire third period off. The Blizzard would score two breakaway goals within a minute near the middle of the frame, as our defense seemed to be on vacation. Thankfully they tightened up a bit after that, holding the opposition at bay for a bit. It wasn't until there was 30 seconds left in the game, with their goalie on the bench, that the Blizzard would score again, on another breakaway. This would be the final goal, as the FireCats turned a blowout into a nail biter, which they thankfully held on to win.

Novi FireCats LCAHL Playoff Game #4 - vs. Bay County Blizzard

Drew skating with the puck in the defensive zone.

Drew battling for the puck along the boards.

Drew keeping the puck in the zone.

Drew in the penalty box after taking a questionable roughing call.

Drew and his teammates listening to their coaches during the first intermission.

Drew lined up for the second period faceoff.

Drew getting ready to poke the puck away from an onrushing Blizzard skater.

Drew kicking the puck aside with his skate.

Drew circling through center ice with the puck...

...and passing across to a teammate just before the opposition could take it away.

Drew firing the puck on net.

Drew knocking the puck out of the defensive zone.

The final score was much closer than expected, as the FireCats squeezed out a 6-5 victory over the Bay County Blizzard.

Drew and his teammates congratulating their goalie on the "W".

Drew and his teammates making their way though the postgame handshake line.