Jamestown, NY – Behind two goal games from both Liam Hansson and Noah Finstrom, and a terrific 47-save performance from goaltender Noah West, the Jamestown Rebels (19-27-1-2) were able to take down the first-place New Jersey Titans (34-10-0-1) by a final score of 5-2 on February 21st at the Northwest Arena.
The game once again began with a quick penalty kill situation for the Rebels, a trend seen recently in the opening of their games, but once again, West and his killers were able to shut down an early power play attempt from a lethal Titans power play. Following another penalty kill about mid-way through the opening frame, the Rebels were able to find a power play of their own, and wasted little time in finding the back of the net, as Liam Hansson buried his seventh goal of the season just 17 seconds into the man-advantage.
The momentum stuck for Hansson and the home squad, as just over two minutes later, Hansson potted his second of the game and eight of the year to increase the Rebels’ lead to 2-0. New Jersey would push hard for a goal in the final minute of the first, but West again was strong, getting his team into the locker room with a two goal advantage, stopping 14 first period shots against.
Josef Glamos would make things interesting early on in the second, scoring 3:53 into the period to cut the Rebels’ lead in half, 2-1. Another big penalty kill by the Rebels would have to come before finding a power play of their own, where assistant captain Noah Finstrom found the back of the net for his 14th of the year, re-gaining the two goal lead for the home team. West once again came up huge, providing 16 second period saves to hold the 3-1 lead going into the final frame.
Jamestown rushed out to a quick start in the third, as Carter Korpi added his fourth tally of the season to up the Rebels’ lead to 4-1. West remained dynamite until the visitors finally broke through, as Michael Outzen was able to solve West to again cut the deficit in half, 4-2. The final push from New Jersey couldn’t crack West, however, as the second-year back-stopper would turn aside 17 of 18 third period attempts before Noah Finstrom sealed the victory with an empty net goal, his second of the game and 15th of the year, to give the Rebels the 5-2 lead that would stand to be the final score.
Along with their two goals apiece, both Hansson (17, 18) and Finstrom (25, 26) each added two assists in the victory. Eric Olson (16), Joe Teasdale (4), Carter Korpi (6) Seth Bergeron (13) and newcomer Artjoms Lapkins (1), also added one assist each. The Rebels finished the game going 2/2 on the power play with 31 shots on goal, while New Jersey was unable to convert on any of their man-advantages, going 0/4 while totaling 49 shots on net.
The Rebels are back on home ice tomorrow night to once again host the Titans for Pink the Rink night! Fans are encouraged to wear pink to the game in support of breast cancer awareness. A basket raffle will be held before and during the game, with all proceeds benefiting the Shades of Pink fund for breast cancer care by UPMC Chautauqua. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05pm at the Northwest Arena.
