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Pirates fall goals short of a tie, let alone a win!
2013-10-07: Mighty Pirates 2 vs. Oilers 5

The Pirates (0-3-1) rolled into Ricoh Coliseum with a full roster thanks to call-ups Weber (who played very well in his first game on defense), J. Sager and T. Turner. Captain Mola was able to roll the "Grind Line", L. Klein-Mutch-Mola and Mandell-J. Sager-Leggett though Mandell and J. Sager would swap positions halfway through the first period. Defense pairings were J. Klein-T. Turner, Kwinter-Jezioranski and Sousa-Weber. Sturgeon was in nets.

Unfortunately, the Ice Age Oilers (3-1-0) have significantly increased their skill on the blue line and up the middle though that is not to say this observer was able to discern any weakness on the wings or in their net. The Oilers struck on the first shift just forty seconds into the game and would tally four more goals taking full advantage of odd man rushes, tape to tape passing, and seriously accurate shooting. In their own end, smart positioning and full press back checking kept the frustrated Pirates on the periphery and wondering what they had to do to buy a shot on net.

That first shot on net came courtesy of John Mutch who dangled the puck as he walked their blue line waiting for the offside tag up and then cutting in between two defenders and firing a heavy shot on net. You could see the whole Pirates' bench visibly relax as the team reached this first milestone in mounting a comeback: a shot on net!

Unfortunately, it would not be until the dying minutes of the third period with the clock starting to run that Phillips would tip a puck blocked at the blue line that was gathered up J. Klein. J. Klein swept wide around the defender, got the goalie moving, and slammed home the goal. Less than a minute later, Kwinter, Mandel and Leggett would converge on the Oilers trying to breakout of their zone and stymie the effort in the neutral zone. In the ensuing chaos, Leggett would hit J. Sager with a pass from his knees and the dipsy doodle kid shucked and jived his way through the Oilers into the slot where he'd place a wicked wrist shot under the bar.

The Pirates had other chances throughout the game. Dogged work from the hard digging forwards and yeoman efforts from the entire defense corps slowly turned the tide but not soon enough. The dying seconds saw the Oilers draw their second penalty of the game and Mutch set up Mola for a booming one-timer but Campbell flashed the leather and even had referee #14 crying "larceny!"

Sturgeon also made strong saves throughout the evening, but it was a real test containing these Oilers for the whole team.

The miles skated by the Pirates showed in a visibly exhausted team that slumped in the dressing room after the game. Not for lack of trying, the Pirates fell goals short of a tie let alone a win.