2/13 -- Game Recap

Final Score: Howell Rebels (11-3-4) 2, Toms River North Mariners (7-11-2) 1

Game Summary: Late in the third period, with the score tied at one, all eyes at Gold Coast Cadillac Arena knew what number to look at in the blue and grey.

Number eleven, Dave Ramos, Howell's captain took advantage of a crease in Toms River North's defense, which was sturdy all night, netting the go-ahead and eventual game-winning goal at 7:54 of the third period. Earlier in the period, it was Mike Liero who broke free down the wing, beating the Mariners goalie Andrew Moser top shelf to tie the game.

Toms River North took the initial lead early in the second period, scoring on a broken play, catching the Rebels by surprise, as they had control of the game up to that point.

A scoreless first period was controlled by Howell until penalties taken by Brandon Hodes and Brian George put the Rebels on the short end of a 5-on-3. The kill, lead by Eddie Pyskaty, was solid the entire period, creating some short-handed chances for Howell.

What Went Right: For one of the first times this season, head coach Bill Daley can say his team finished a game strong. Trailing 1-0 heading into the third period, the Rebels would score twice and shut down the Mariners offense late in the game--something that has posed a major problem for Howell. It seemed apparent early that there was something different in the Rebels game, something that hadn't been there over the past month: a spark. Throughout the first period, it was Howell who were out-skating Toms River North for loose pucks and out-hustling the opponent all night. In the end, that hustle was something that propelled the Rebels to a much needed victory.

Correcting the Problem:All season, the achillies heel for the Howell Rebels have been one thing: holding late leads. Throughout the course of the year, the defending Dowd Cup champs have blown five third-period leads (yes, Daley, I know how many), many within the final five minutes. Tonight was a different story. With seven minutes remaining after Howell took the lead, it was up to their defense to hold the Mariners, who average nearly three goals per game. The Rebels did just that, in some unconventional ways. Instead of focusing on the defensive side of the game, the Rebels, lead in major part by defensemen Eddie Pyskaty, kept the pressure up on offense, making it very difficult for Toms River North to set up the way they may have liked. The Mariners did have some chances late, but Howell goalie Zack Peras was magnificent, turning away every third-period shot as the Rebels earned a much-needed win against a quality opponent.