That equation has been turned on its head.
The Ramblers beat the Crushers 4-1 Saturday night at Amherst Stadium, tying the series up 1-1.
“I thought the boys played really well from start to finish, and kept getting better and better as the game went on,” said Jeff LeBlanc, Ramblers coach and general manager, after the game. “We had a good 60 minutes and we came out on top.”
Doug Doull, Crushers coach and general manager, said his team was in the penalty box too much.
“It’s pretty tough to play a game when you lost your rhythm early with four straight minors,” said Doull.
Fans help Ramblers
The Crushers won the first game of the series 5-4 in double overtime in front of 905 people in New Glasgow.
Saturday’s game attracted 1,272 people to Amherst Stadium.
“The fans really gave us a boost tonight. It was the loudest I’ve ever heard it in any barn and it’s just going to increase as the series goes on,” said LeBlanc.
Their next game is Monday night in New Glasgow.
“We know Pictou is going to come out with a huge effort Monday night,” said LeBlanc. “I’m sure Doug will have them going and I’m sure their best effort will be Monday might.”
Game Results
First Period
Matt LaPointe scored the only goal of the first period, giving the Ramblers a 1-0 lead. He scored the unassisted goal on the power play with just under two minutes left in the first.
Second Period
Grant Janes put the Ramblers up 2-1 at 8:51 into the second off passes from Brandon Kosik and Ryan MacDonald.
A little over two minutes later, the Crushers made it a 2-1 game when Bradley Kennedy scored on the power play off a pass from Ethan Marsh.
Jordan King ended the period with a goal off assists from LaPointe and Julian Makary, giving the Ramblers a 3-1 lead heading into the dressing room.
Third Period
LaPointe scored the only goal of the third. It came on a power play at 1:15 into the frame off passes from Makary and Jesse Dunn.
Goaltending
The Ramblers outshot the Crushers 48-33.
Daryl MacCallum played in goal for the Ramblers and Daniel Vautour for the Crushers.
Penalties
The game had 18 penalties, 14 for the Crushers and four for the Ramblers.
Upcoming Games
Game 3 – Monday, 7 p.m., Pictou County Wellness Centre
Game 4 – Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., Amherst Stadium
Game 5 – Friday, 7 p.m., Keating Millennium Centre, Antigonish
*Game 6 – Saturday, March 25, 7 p.m., Amherst Stadium
*Game 7 – Tuesday, March 28, 7 p.m., Pictou County Wellness Centre
*If necessary
