Columbus, GA- Tonight’s matchup is the final of this four-game battle between these rivals, for now at least. They will play six more games before the end of the season, but that didn’t prevent a physical and chaotic game from before the game even started.
The thunderbirds were on a man-advantage from the puck drop due to a delay of game by the dragons. This didn’t stop the dragons’ Labelle from scoring quickly at 1:19 in the first period. The thunderbirds would respond with a goal of their own with Firth scoring at 3:52 into the first period. Thunderbirds continued to put pressure on the dragons by scoring another goal at 11:05 by Schnapp. The dragons didn’t want to end the period with the thunderbirds in the lead. It was determined that Kelly from the dragons was able to squeak in a goal with just 0.3 seconds left in the period.
The dragons would maintain their momentum by Vannelli punching a goal into the net at 1:40 into the second period. The period would soon roll into moments of chaos. At 7:08, there was a penalty for illegal head contact against the thunderbirds. During the discussion, the thunderbirds’ coach would be tossed from the game. Dragons would find the net again at 16:17 into the period to extend their lead. Fast-forward 30 seconds, two players would start getting into an altercation. Tempers would flare for both individuals causing them both to be ejected from the game.
The thunderbirds would start the third period with Pestuka scoring a goal at 3:29 into the period. The thunderbirds didn’t like being behind on the scoreboard, so Ford would get a breakaway goal to at 4:30 in the third to tie the game again. At 6:24 mark into the third, the thunderbirds would take the lead with Peavey hitting the puck into the wide-open net. The dragons would respond with a goal by Pietrantonio at the 10:58 minute mark to tie up the game for the fifth time.
The game would end regulation in a tie at five to five forcing an overtime. The three on three was fast-paced and quick breaks for both teams. Kelly would shoot and rebound his own shot for the victory goal at 1:18 into overtime.
Credit for all the scores for the thunderbirds belong to Firth, Schnapp, Pestuka, Ford, and Peavey. The dragons will give their credit to Labelle, Vannelli, Croop, Pietrantonio, and two for Kelly.
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Though the dragons won this game, the thunderbirds lead the series 3-1 for this season. This set of battles may be done, but plenty of more battles for these two flying beasts remain for the season.
Photo credit – Toni.Hill@prohockeynews.com
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