McCutcheon’s overtime goal sends Panthers to victory over Tommies
For most of the season, the UPEI Panthers have competed well and been in many close games, but the breaks haven’t gone their way.
By Thomas Becker
For most of the season, the UPEI Panthers have competed well and been in many close games, but the breaks haven't gone their way.
That changed Sunday afternoon when third-year forward Ashley McCutcheon scored in overtime to give the Panthers their second win in eight tries.
Tied 1-1 heading into the extra frame, McCutcheon got by a defender with a quick move before beating the goalie blocker side with a nifty backhand shot that secured a 2-1 win over the St. Thomas Tommies.
McCutcheon also assisted on UPEI's first goal, scored by Sophie Bujold, while Jacey Dane was the lone scorer for St. Thomas (5-1-1).
After the game, McCutcheon spoke about the significance of grabbing a win against one of the best teams in the league.
"That win was huge," she said. "That was a full team win right there. It came from every girl in that locker room and we deserved the win, and it's only going to go up from here."
The opening period was a display of solid defence from both squads, resulting in an evenly matched frame of play. Each team executed well in their defensive zone, effectively blocking shots, intercepting passes, and keeping their opponents at bay. As the period came to a close, it was evident that this game was shaping up to be a tightly contested battle, with neither team giving an inch.
The Tommies had a great chance to score midway through the second period after UPEI's Carly Thompson was given a double minor penalty for spearing, but the Panthers' defence and the stellar play of netminder Sarah Forsythe kept the game knotted up.
However, shortly after their power play had just ended, the Tommies scored. At 14:58, Dane put away the second of two backhand shots in front of the net to put her team ahead 1-0.
It looked like St. Thomas was heading into the second intermission in the lead, but the Panthers had other plans. With five seconds to spare, McCutcheon, who gathered a loose puck near the end boards, blindly centred a pass in front of the net where Bujold beat Chloe Marshall with a quick shot.
Marshall bounced back and delivered in a crucial moment late in the third period after defender Olivia Stock earned a double minor penalty for contact to the head. The Panthers finished the period with the extra skater, but couldn't get one by the goaltender before the final buzzer sounded.
However, the Panthers would not be denied the win, as McCutcheon put away the backhand at 1:36 in the extra frame.
UPEI will host the Université de Moncton Aigles Bleues on Wednesday, while the Tommies welcome the UNB Reds.
