The North York Rangers showed two different type of game this past week. One of which displayed their potential, while the other was a contest they would like to forgot.
North York @ JRC
The North York Rangers looked to continue their impressive play as they drove down the street to battle the Toronto Junior Canadiens on Monday (Dec. 2) night.
The Rangers struck first. One a 2-on-1, Adam Panacci hit Austin Brimmer for his 13th goal of the season at 11:50 in the first. The score remained the that after 20 minutes.
Almost at the exact same time in the second North York did it again. On the power play, defencemen Connor Rudderham point shot somehow got through numerous body to his mesh. The visitors led 2-0 after 40 minutes.
The Rangers made sure to add some insurance very early in the third. Just over thirty 30 into the period, Tyler Flack snipped top corner to recorded the team’s second powerplay goal of the contest, but more importantly making 3-0. The Canadiens made it close late scoring two goals within five minutes after midway point. North York sealed the deal though, thanks to Rudderham’s second goal on an empty netter to end it at 4-2.
A big reason the Rangers won their third straight contest was because of goaltender Eli Shiller. The second-year goalie was spectacular making 47 saves. He’s now unbeaten in his last five starts, going 4-0-1 in that span with 1.60 goals against average and .961 save percentage.
North York vs Burlington
The Rangers attempted to hit a season-high four game-winning streak on Sunday (Dec. 8th) against the Burlington Cougars at home.
It was the Cougars who came out fast scoring three goals and outshooting the Rangers 15-9 in the period. Burlington led 3-0 after 20 minutes.
The Rangers cut into the deficit on the power play. Myles Perry teed up Austin Brimmer in the slot for his 13th goals of the season at 8:37. That was as close as the Rangers got as the Cougars recorded three goal, two of which came within 30 seconds late in the period. A 6-1 score after 40 minutes led to North York pulling goaltender Eli Shiller in favour of James Gray. That did not spark the team like it was suppose too.
For the third straight period, the Cougars recorded three goals. Rangers rookie Michael Pereira scored the second goal of the game for the Rangers just before the midway point of the period. North York ultimately fell 9-2 to Burlington.
Shiller recorded his first loss in his last six starts making 24 saves, while Gray surrendered three goals on 10 shots in relief.
The Rangers tough schedule continues this Friday when they travel to Trenton to take on the Golden Hawks. Puck drop is at 7:30pm at the Duncan Memorial Arena.
