If the Brampton Excelsiors wanted to jump up a spot in the overall MSL standings, they would need to win the final game of the season by fifteen goals or more. Considering their highest goal output of the season of eleven was achieved just once, and it was one of just three games they managed over seven goals, the possibility seemed unlikely. As the home side looked across the floor at the Peterborough Lakers, who came with a cheering section of almost 150 campers, the task looked impossible.
Despite all playoff matchups being determined, the game was a chance for both clubs to finish the season strong and set the tone for their respective playoff runs. Also, it offered Brampton a chance to avenge the 19-4 beating they took earlier this season in Peterborough. If the game was only played over forty minutes, Brampton would’ve sailed away with a home victory. However, MSL games are still three periods long, and, yes, the second period counted.
Bryan Neufeld opened the scoring for Brampton but it would be the top bun in a triple decker Peterborough goal sandwich. Shawn Evans scored back-to-back markers in the run, including a nifty goal diving from behind the back of the net. Cory Vitarelli also scored before Junior A call-up Dan Keane, who had a strong game, scored to finish the period. Brampton trailed 3-2 after one.
Peterborough came out for the second on fire. They would score eight straight goals in the frame; three more by Evans, another pair by Vitarelli, two from Jamie Lincoln and a single on the powerplay from Matt Giles capped an incredible period for the Lakers. (Writer’s note: despite Pointstreak’s stats saying the Excelsiors’ net was empty, there was a goaltender in net. Even though it seems there may not have been …) Matt Vinc started the game, but part way through the period, was replaced for Anthony Cosmo. Cosmo only gave his counterpart a breather, however, as just three minutes later, the Rochester Knighthawk netminder was back between the pipes.
The third started much the way the second finished, with a Lakers goal. Tyler Burton would score Brampton’s first goal in thirty minutes on the powerplay, which was followed by Ryan Learn sneaking off the bench on a delayed penalty and scoring Brampton’s first multi-goal run of the evening. Brad Self would end the run shorthanded on a beautiful play where we went end-to-end and beat Vinc. Brampton responded with a three goal run including Learn’s second of the period off a rebound and a pair by Mike Hominuk, the second on the powerplay. Chad Culp ended the scoring for Peterborough, and Neufeld did the same for Brampton. When the horn sounded, Peterborough left the arena with a big win again 14-8.
Shawn Evans led all scorers, and tied his opponents, with eight points (five goals, three assists). A number of Lakers had four point nights, including starting goaltender Kevin Croswell, who also came away with the win. Dylan Evans and Tyler Burton combined to win nineteen of twenty faceoffs on the night, which they’ll need heading into the first round of the playoffs Friday against Kitchener/Waterloo Kodiaks and Jay Thorimbert, who has been stellar so far.
Both Peterborough and Brampton will open their first round playoff series tomorrow, at their respective home buildings. Peterborough welcomes the Ajax Rock at 8pm, while the Excelsiors will host the Kodiaks, also at 8pm.
