The Merritt Centennials (10-25-1-3) go for game 2 of the double dip against the Trail Smoke Eaters (24-12-2-1) tonight.
Last night the Merritt Centennials were in the driver’s seat for the majority of the game, but a strong finish from Trail saw the Smoke Eaters come back and grab the win 6-3.
The first period was a textbook frame of how to play at the NVMA spurred on by some timely offense. Affiliate Brett Mero from the Kamloops Storm scored his first BCHL goal, on his first shot, on his first shift just 3 minutes into the game to make the game 1-0. Linemate Christian Buono picked up where he left off before the break as he’d add another by beating Terness blocker side to put the Cents up 2-0. The Cents would also kill off two Trail penalties in the first frame, a far cry from the last time the two teams met where Trail put up 6 goals on 6 tries in the opening period.
The second period saw the Smoke Eaters have to start on their heels due to the penalty kill. The Cents kept their feet moving to draw a pair of calls early on and Trail would score their first goal of the game even strength. Phillippe Lapointe would score on an off speed shot after his stick shattered as he released, and the change up slipped under the pad of Tanner Marshall. Marshall had some of his best play in the 2nd period where he made huge saves when the Cents were shortmanned. He flew across the crease to rob Trail on back door plays and was a big part of the Cents going to the third period up 2-1.
Kent Johnson finally broke through early on in the final frame, scoring up top on Marshall after some head fakes from the slot. The goal would come just 20 seconds in, but Ben Ward would tie the game by stripping Johnson on the ensuing shift going down the ice, keeping on a 2-on-1 and sniping top corner glove side to restore the lead 3-2. Cody Schiavon answered for Trail to tie the game at the 5 minute mark of the third and there it would stay until just under the 5 minute remaining mark of the period. On their 5th powerplay of the night, the Smoke Eaters finally pulled through and it was Kent Johnson who scored low on a goal mouth scramble. From there the wheels fell off for the Centennials who allowed two more goals for a 6-3 final. Final Shots were 51-45 Trail.
The teams will meet for their 4th time this season with another game on the horizon on Tuesday. Last night was by far the Cents best effort of the season series, but they’re still 0-3 against the Smoke Eaters that have outscored the Cents 22-6. The energy was evident from the get go from the Cents but now they will have to make the long trip to Trail and come off the bus ready to play.
Christian Buono continues to be ready to play as he had a goal and an assist and leads the team with 31 points. Payton Matsui had some quality chances for the Cents last night and has 25 on the year. Captain Rylan Van Unen awaits his first points of 2020 and is tied with rookie Thomas Manty with 18 points.
Kent Johnson continues to pace the league after a 4 point night against the Cents with 73. Owen Ozar jumps into 2nd spot with 48 points, and Michael Collela has 47.
The Centennials had a decent chance at shutting out the Smoke Eaters on the powerplay last night, but couldn’t quite get it done.
Powerplay: Penalty Kill:
Cents – 10.7% (17th) Cents – 72.9% (17th)
Trail – 26.1% (1st) Trail – 86% (3rd)
The goaltending battle sees Tanner Marshall coming off another great game where he deserved a better fate. Marshall is 6-12-1 with a 4.59 GAA and a .884 SV%. Ryan Winter is waiting for his first game of 2020 and is 3-11-2 with a .902 SV% and a 4.08 GAA with 1 shutout.
Logan Terness played admirably last night and is 17-7-2 with a .932 SV% and a 2.40 GAA. Matteo Paler-Chow is also waiting for his first game of 2020 and is 9-10-1 with an .881 SV% and a 3.56 GAA.
Head Coach Derek Sweet Coutler says the Cents need to have that extra push when it gets down to crunch time.
“Late in games when we need that goal we need our team pushing for the win instead of pushing the panic button.”
Puck drop 7pm from the Trail Memorial Centre. Pre-Game 6:45 with Jared Thomas on Q101 and HockeyTV.
