Columbus, GA – The match of the regular season comes down to this game. Both the dragons and thunderbirds are tied in the standings for the continental division title, and this match is the last of the regular season. This game will determine the division champions and the number one and two seed for the playoffs. This just increased the rivalry that these two teams have developed over the past four years. To add to everything that is on the line, the dragons would need 5,695 fans to hit the 100,000 fans for the season.
The first period was a tense back and forth down the ice for both teams. Each had chances to score and break aways that resulted in no score being made. It would create for the beginning of an epic divisional title match.
The second period would start different as the dragons would score with Moore pushing the puck past the line at the 1:41 mark into the period. The thunderbirds would respond back with Koepplinger getting a break away at the 4:59 mark. The dragons would regain the lead with a power play goal with King hitting a shot in at the 8:49 mark. The dragons would add to their lead with Strojohann tipping the puck in at the 19:42 mark.
The third period would be the most crucial for both teams as the game isn’t over until the last buzzer. The thunderbirds would show that they were to not be counted out very early on in the period. Thunderbirds would get a goal with Kennedy hitting a pass into the net at the 0:28 mark in the period. The penalties would start piling up around the five-minute mark. There was a point the dragons had a five on three advantage on the ice. They wouldn’t be able to capitalize as the thunderbirds killed off the power plays. Move to the 14:21 mark, and the thunderbirds would tie up the game with Koepplinger scoring his second goal of the night. The period would end in a 3-3 tie resulting in overtime.
Keeping in mind that this game is for the regular season division champions, this is also most important for the seeding of these two teams. The overtime would have both teams getting their own chance to win the game, but the goalies would not let the other team score. This caused the game to go into a shootout.
The thunderbirds would be the first to go in the shootout. Koepplinger would make his shot with a backhand. The dragons would miss their shot with pad save by the thunderbirds. Thunderbirds would make a second shot in the shootout with Ford hitting his shot the same way as the first goal. The dragons would need to make this goal to stay alive in the shootout. Unfortunately, the dragons would miss the shot which means the thunderbirds would win the game.
The thunderbirds are the regular season continental division champions. The thunderbirds are the number one seed in the division while the dragons are the number two seed going into the playoffs. The dragons would finish the season with a total fan attendance of 98,855 which is the second highest in the league.
The third star of the game goes to King of the dragons.
The second star of the game goes to G. Hussey of the thunderbirds.
The first star of the games goes to Koepplinger of the thunderbirds.
Use CodePHN15
The playoffs start next week with the dragons travelling up to Motor City to take on the rockers on Wednesday, April 19th. The dragons and rockers will travel back down to Columbus to battle on the ice on April 21st, and if needed on April 22nd.
PHOTO CREDIT – TYoni.Hill@prohockeynews.com
 
You must be logged in to post a comment.