We went down early 3-0 in the first period, and I must admit that I was thinking to myself that we probably weren't going to pull this one out. But, we came back in the second period with two quick scores less than 20 seconds apart to bring the score to 3-2. I started thinking 'well, maybe we've got a shot at this one...'
Shortly after we closed the gap, though, Minabariet put one in our own net while trying to help Jordan make a save. We were down 4-2, and that is the kind of play that can break a team's back. The score Ferris got towards the end of the 2nd period didn't help. Going into the third, we were in the same position we were going into the second: down 3, 5-2.
Early on in the third with Sigalet out and Horrell in, we got two quick goals 45 seconds apart from one another. We kept pressure on the Ferris defense all throughout the first half of the third -- so much so that Horrell only saw one shot in his first ten minutes of action. That pressure paid off when we got the equalizer with a little more than 7 minutes left in the game. Ferris got some good chances in the remainder of the third, but Horrell was up to the challenge and stood on his head a couple of times (including a huge breakaway glove save). We held out in OT to get a point in a game that it looked like we were dead in several times.
This was HUGE. To come back twice on someone else's ice is a statement --we don't give up. I have never been prouder of this team than I was last night. Pooch did a great job of keeping the teams head in the game, and I also think he did a good job putting Horrell in to hold the lead in the third period. Sometimes you just have to get a fresh head in goal, even if your starter is awaiting the Hobey.
We've got a tough road to hoe before the playoffs. We are atop a log-jam for the last two home-ice spots with Miami (who has a very favorable schedule and is starting to get healthy) only two points behind. Admittedly, I was a bit worried in the first and second period last night about our chance at getting a home-ice spot. We have to beat the teams like Ferris if we're going to have a shot at the teams atop the conference.
And, although we didn't beat Ferris, we showed determination that only championship teams possess. I am so excited to see what this team does the rest of the way.
