1/30--The Recap

Middletown South Eagles (10-3-2) 4, Howell Rebels (10-3-4) 3





1st Period Analysis: In the first, the initial two minutes were controlled by the Eagles from Middletown South--but it would end there. The Rebels would take over from there, including two power play goals within thirty seconds from Dave Ramos and Eddie Pyskaty to give Howell the 2-0 edge, and the period would end with the same score.





2nd Period Analysis: Whatever dominance that was owned by Howell in the first played role-reversal in the second. After both teams killed off penalties early, it was Middletown South who controlled possession of the puck, drawing within one on a delayed-penalty goal with just under ten minutes remaining. Minutes later, a Howell power play goal would be called off due to the net leaving its moorings, and the Eagles would go on to kill the penalty un-scaved. The 26th-ranked Eagles would control the rest of the period, and head into the locker room trailing 2-1.





3rd Period Analysis: After the Rebels killed another early penalty, it was Michael Koshenash who would score for Howell, giving them an early 3-1 lead. From that goal on, the Eagles would take over. Middletown South would dictate play, coming from behind to score three goals in the final ten minutes, taking the game 4-3.



The Final Tally: This game was not a matter of Middletown South beating Howell--Howell beat themselves. Instead, a bland Howell crowd watched something that has become somewhat common--the Rebels blowing a late lead. Fatigue was clearly an issue, particularly in the defensive zone, as Howell watched their sixth blown lead of the season take place before their eyes.