Box Score LONDON, ON - The Western Mustangs hosted the Waterloo Warriors in the first half of a home and home to be completed Saturday evening. The Mustangs fell short in the Friday night bout losing 5-3 in a competitive game.
Western came out of the gate strong scoring the first goal and pouncing on the Waterloo defense. Momentum shifted quickly and exiting the first period the score was 2-1 for the Warriors.
Coming out strong was in Western's game plan. Head Coach Clarke Singer said this post-game.
"I thought we were real good for times, we had the momentum and then maybe a goal would be scored or something would happen and Waterloo would capture the momentum."
Waterloo carried momentum into the second period and scored first, increasing their lead to 3-1. Western battled to keep the game close relying on some big saves from goaltender David Ovsjannikov.
Shane Bulitka spoke to Ovsjannikov's importance post-game.
"None of those goals are his fault. We gave up a lot of empty net backdoors, we got to do a better job for him."
Bulitka sparked the offense midway through the second period. His goal shifted momentum in favour of the Mustangs which lead to a pair of goals in quick succession.
The second of the two belonged to Kyle Petit.
The Mustangs let the game slip through their fingers early in the third period where both of their early power play opportunities came up empty. Coach Singer said this post game.
"I thought we had a couple of really good looks. With the rest of our game the power play is a thing where you can't get too much out of practice, you have to get looks in games."
Despite the defensive lapses the Mustangs played clean hockey only resulting in 2 trips to the penalty box. However, Waterloo was able to capitalize on one of their chances with the man advantage. Bulitka commented post game.
"It's a mental thing, we have to worry about defending out end and then going on offense. So we have to do our job defensively then get our feet moving up ice."
Western played strong at points in the game the team just could not find an extra goal in the third to start suffocating the Waterloo offense.
Looking to bounce back quickly Western completes the home and home series Saturday February 26, in Waterloo at 7pm.
