Duguay Flies High, Aces Crash in 4-3 OT Loss

Former New York Rangers star Ron Duguay may have proved he still has some gas left in his tank and the Brooklyn Aces powerplay may have proved it could still be a force, but the New Jersey Rockhoppers were one step ahead for 60 minutes, getting a 4-3 overtime win at Aviator last night.

Clinching themselves a playoff spot in the process, New Jersey looks to have the Aces on their heels as the two prepare to face off in the post-season next week.

“We should have won tonight,” said Aces goaltender Miro Recicar, who was shaky despite 34 saves. “This will not happen in the playoffs.”

Things started off slow as both teams were unwilling to take any real chances in the offensive zone. Both goaltenders were also solid, as were the Aces penalty killers, who killed off a pair of powerplay opportunities.

Things then began to open up at 9:18 after a powerplay goal by Dan Carney put the Aces up 1-0.

The Rockhoppers tied it up at 14:24 on Patrick Serpico’s fifth goal of the season that Aces goaltender Miro Recicar seemed to have lost in his pads, making it a 1-1 game going into the second period.

“That goal took the momentum out of us,” said Firriolo. “It was a bad goal and it made us flat.”

The game maintained its seesaw-like pace in the second period with neither team being the aggressor. A Rob Miller shot from the point eventually turned the tide, as a juicy rebound left in front was deposited into the back of the net by Kyle McCullough at 18:41, making it a 2-1 game.

The third period was easily the most entertaining period of the season, as both team battled with an intensity and a packed house around them. Serpico scored again at 7:12 to tie the game at two on another questionable goal and 3:04 later, Matt Puntureri tallied to give New Jersey a 3-2 lead.

“Miro didn’t do the job tonight,” said Firriolo. “That was the difference in the game.”

Brooklyn didn’t give up despite a huge change in momentum and got a powerplay goal from C.J. Tozzo, which Duguay got the primary assist on and Mike Christensen helped set up by providing a textbook screen in front of New Jersey goaltender Nick Niedert, tying the game with just 23 seconds left and sending it into overtime.

After four and a half minutes of high intensity hockey, New Jersey ended up getting the best of Recicar again, as Puntureri potted his second goal of the game and giving his team a 4-3 win.

With the win, New Jersey has clinched a playoff spot and will face the Aces in the post-season this Thursday.

Losing the last two games of the season, Firriolo, despite showing his frustration, sees some good coming out of his team’s recent struggles.

“Our guys are sick and tired of this,” he said. “And they know that this can only happen so many times before they turn things around.”

Notes-

Contrary to what many thought before the game, Duguay played in all game situations, including the powerplay.

“I’ll be sleeping with some ice-packs tonight,” he said.

Miller had three assists for Brooklyn.

The Aces powerplay was two for six.

Chris Holmes and Ian McLoughlin were both healthy scratches and are both expected to play in the playoffs.

Attendance for the game was 1,810.

Photos by Patrick Hickey Jr.

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