It could have, and probably should have been a better result, but a 2-2 tie will have to suffice for the Chiefs. Despite having a 2-0 lead entering the 3rd and some stellar goaltending by C. Pearen, the Chiefs allowed the Sting to tie it with just under 1 minute remaining and this game ended all square.
(edit: had to clear up a few glaring mistakes)
It could also have been worse, had the Sting managed to score on more of their numerous power play opportunities. For 2 periods (and especially in the second) the Chiefs penalty killing was spectacular as they killed penalty after penalty, including a 2-man disadvantage in the second. But I am getting ahead of myself.
The first period was well played by both teams. Fast paced, few whistles (except when the Chiefs were being assessed a penalty) and good end-to-end action. There were not many shots either and few good scoring chances until C. Abbott (who is officially ON FIRE) fired a loose puck into the top of the net behind the Sting goalie.
In the second, N. Campbell scored on a 2-on-1 to stretch the lead to 2. This entire line of Abbott, Campbell and R. Root have had an excellent game. I dub this the RAC line. Sure I could call them the CAR line, but I prefer a nice RAC :)
After the 2-0 was obtained, the referees managed to slow the game down considerably as they called numerous infractions (most of which went against the Chiefs). The Chiefs killed all of these off with excellent hustle by all of these fine young men (I use that term loosely).
The third continued of where the second ended - with the Chiefs parading to the penalty box. The Sting finally manged to score a PP goal with C. Abbot in the box for a phantom kneeing penalty. Used to be you actually had to make contact with someone to get a penalty like this. Apparently I missed a memo.
Despite the fact that I have complained about the referees enough in this article to make your head spin, they actually did us a favour with a penalty call against the Sting with just over 2 minutes remaining. One would hope this would allow the Chiefs to simply run out the clock, alas, this was not the case. The Sting defenders managed to break out with numbers against the Chiefs defense, the puck got to the net and a furious scramble ensued. Sadly for the CHiefs, one of the Sting managed to get his stick on the puck and knock it past the sprawling Chiefs goalie.
There you go, this is how a win becomes a tie. If I never see the Glencoe arena again I will not be disappointed. There are ghosts in this place and they are not Indian.
The Chiefs will practice tonight (Wednesday) then participate in the Jr. Bulldog Tournament this weekend in Hamilton. You can follow the tournament
here, on our tournament page.
Oh, almost forgot. We welcomed back J. VanBommel and M. Philip from injury so we are at full strength for the first time in a long time. Welcome back you fine young men :)