THE GAME
Slow starts in three out of four periods eventually cost Brampton Wednesday night in Port Credit. In the end they could not overcome a two goal Mississauga advantage and fell 14-13. The Excelsiors were very slow off the block to begin. They managed two goals on long shots to keep pace with the Tomahawks, before finding their legs midway through the first period. From there they went on to win the period 6-4, thanks, in part to an Andy Secore hattrick. The visitors began the second with an early goal, however Missy totally dominated after that. Penalties did not help Brampton's cause. They escaped the period tied 8-8 thanks to two goals on five shots. The Tommies blitzed the Excelsiors with two quick goals to begin the third. Marc Burton scored at the thirty second buzzer to make it 10-8. Brampton fought back and the contest headed down the stretch tied 11-11. Mississauga escaped being two man short for ninety seconds thanks to solid work from Brad Taylor. Then Jeff Shattler popped out of the box to get a clean breakaway. His shot was just thrown off at the last second. The final two minutes was the Jeff Shattler Show. Less than a minute after that chance he was away again, took two defenders head on and managed a goal called back for crease violation. Brampton was called for too many men on the play, thus Shattler was chosen to take the penalty shot. Ryan Blair stopped him with an arm save. In overtime Shattler again featured. He had another breakaway but was caught by Jamie Lincoln's good speed. Shattler still managed to score another crease goal and draw a holding penalty. Shattler finally squeaked the ball through Blair's legs from the edge of the crease. A minute later Matt Moulson tallied another power play marker. Todd Bloxam cut the lead in half midway through. But the Tommies answered immedately. Shattler to Justin Burton for a nice combination goal. The Excelsiors drew to within one again when Bloxam scored on a rebound with 44 seconds remaining. Mike Carnegie then won the loose ball off the ensuing draw, however Brampton's last possession ended with a turnover.
PLAYERS
I can remember Jeff Shattler practically beating Peterborough singlehandedly at Port Credit two years ago. He definately saves his best for when I come to town. Nearly everytime he touched the ball he headed for the opposing goal in full flight. Similar to what one would expect from Billy Dee Smith, except Shattler has better stick skills. What I'd like to see is Missy using Shattler coming off the bench - the way they used Ted Dowling years ago. Scott Gillingham was the other key force. He's the piston which fires up the Tommie engine. Marc Burton very dangerous off the ball. Goaltender Brad Taylor let in too many outside shots.
For Brampton, Andy Secore has arrived. He was dominant throughout. It's great to see Colin Holbrough healthy. Todd Bloxam very good with some timely shooting.
OVERALL
An excellent game with lots of pace and end to end action. The Tomahawks were brilliant the first two periods as they were always looking to run. They let up in the third and tried to sit on their lead in overtime. Brampton run a typical front door/back door game plan. But then, when in the last 50 years have the Excelsiors had a running team? Mississauga's emphasis on offence gave Brampton many chances to run themselves. Besides that the Excelsior offence consisted mostly of long range shooting. The Tommies were very active in the half floor game(similar to Orangeville Tuesday night). Even on the power play Mississauga players are rarely stationary. Either Marc Burton is cutting through the middle or Jeff Shattler is trying to set a pick inside. It wasn't like watching Kelly Mitchell fake a pass from the point then go straight through the teeth of the defence, however the action and effort of the Tomahawks was fun to watch.
Compared to Tuesday's game, I'd say the Northmen/Warrior tilt was better played with more discipline. Problem is that Tuesday's game looked like 20 or 30 other games I've seen the past few years. It was like watching Hamlet over and over again - a fine stage play, mind you. The Excelsiors/Tomahawks match was like watching Tom Stoppard's version, Guildenstern and Rosencrantz Are Dead. Not better but more creative and imaginative.
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