A rematch against their closest rivals couldn't even spark the ICE to play their best game of the year on Saturday. While the first period went back and forth for the most part, a sloppy special teams performance by the ICE allowed the Avros to lead 2-1 after 20 minutes. A shorthanded goal and a PP goal (against a usually very stingy ICE PK) accounted for both Avros goals. The second period was controlled mostly by the Avros, who managed to stretch the lead to 3-1 by the end of the frame. The ICE stayed strong and battled, even narrowing the lead to 3-2 with a shorthanded goal of their own early in the third period. The tide could have turned here and the ICE were right back into it. But another Avros PP goal sealed the deal for the Avros, who added 1 more with 7 seconds to play, ending the very frustrating game on a sour note.
Some highlights were Kelsey McHolm's shorthanded goal and Kelli Rowswell's team leading 8th regular season goal, assisted by Taylor Webb. Kathleen Kosior stopped 26 of the 31 shots she faced.
As mentioned above, the special teams were the difference today, as the ICE allowed not 1 but 2 shorthanded goals, in addition to allowing two powerplay goals against for the first time this season. Key injuries were a factor, as Madison Neapew and Ashley Kubic were both sidelined with injuries and both play a huge role on special teams. It was back to the drawing board at practice on Sunday as the PP received a major overhaul.
We'll get 'em next time, girls.
