Columbus, GA – The Columbus River Dragons dominated the Baton Rouge Zydeco at home tonight as 2,682 people looked on, marking the Dragons’ 14th straight victory.
Baton Rouge looked as though they were gaining steam against the Dragons, but gave up several opportunities to exhaust some of their best players with being shorthanded due to penalties.
At 13:38, Justin MacDonald scored the first goal of the game, taking advantage of a scattered Zydeco defense, on assists by Ryan Hunter and Kyle Moore.
At 19:06, Nolan Slachetka poured on the gravy with a distant snipe, off a poss by Josh Pietrantonio to close the first period at 2-0.
To kick off the second period with 38 seconds spent, Kirk Underwood grabbed a pass out of the air from Justin MacDonald and finessed it past Bailey Stephens to increase the Dragons’ lead, 3-0.
Josh Pietrantonio slapped it in, increasing the Dragons’ lead to 4-0 at 7:43, as the Zydeco suffered a crippling 5-on-3 scenario due to Matthew Bazarin going to the box for elbowing and Michael Haskins being called for hooking.
The Dragons continued to breath fire on the Zydeco throughout the second frame, and scored their fifth goal at 8:52, when Hunter Bersani scored on a pass from Alex Storjahann.
At 12:54, Josh Pietrantonio scored his second goal of the night with the help of Alexander Jmaeff and Carter Shinkaruk.
Continuing their fast-paced, hard-pressed efforts on the Zydeco, the Dragons turned the heat up even further when Austin Daae shoveled a pass from Nolan Slachetka at 16:26.
At 19:24, Carson Andreoli put another tick on the board for the Dragons to close the second period out in favor of the River Dragons, 8-0.
The third period off with Baton Rouge showing their only sign of life, when at 1:55 Josiah scored their only goal an assist by Edgars Ozolinsh.
The remainder of the third period appeared to be a slug fest, with the River Dragons pounding on an already exhausted Zydeco lineup.
The River Dragons scored twice in the final frame of regulation, with Austin Daae scoring at 10:27 and Ryan Hunter closing things up at 12:13.
The River Dragons achieved their 14th straight victory over the Zydeco, ending the game with a searing 11-1 win.
Tonight’s Stars of the Game for the River Dragons included Austin Daae and Ryan Hunter. Daae put up 4 points (2 Goals, 2 Assists). Hunter also scored 4 points for Columbus (2 Goals, 2 Assists).
The River Dragons will battle Baton Rouge again tonight at home, hoping to earn their 15th consecutive win.
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