Hey everyone,
The Trojans entered this morning's game worn down from a hard game the night before against Oregon with a short bench. Captain Mike Gawlik is out with a Game DQ from the night before, starting center Cory Adler is out with a concussion, 3 other forwards were out with the flu. USC still hit the ice Saturday morning with a chance to end the Ducks' dominance over the last few seasons. Here's what happened:
Period 1
To say the Trojans came out slow in Friday's first period would be an understatement. USC had a much better start Saturday, but still trailed 2-1 after a period. Ducks defenseman Jonah Rice launched a laser through traffic that got by starting goaltender Zach Keith. The Trojans fought back to tie, with blueliner Dante Caravaggio jumping on a turnover and firing a weird angle shot that was tipped by a Ducks defender into the back of the net. Oregon had the last laugh in the period, forcing a rebound try past Keith. The key play in the period, however, happened when top penalty killing forward Clark McClanathan got too aggressive forechecking and sent Oregon starting defenseman Doug Reese face first into the boards. McClanathan was given a 5-minute major and a game misconduct for his hit. USC's third major penalty of the series, but more importantly the Trojans lost another key forward for the game.
Period 2
Despite giving the Ducks a boatload of powerplay opportunities, the Trojan penalty kill was strong and Zach Keith was even stronger. Keith had his best period of the season, shutting down Oregon on several chances from right on top of his crease. Meanwhile, USC took advantage on it's own powerplay with two goals. Adam Zacuto found a loose puck thrown in front by Nick Helmer and slipped it past Oregon goaltender Chris Takla. Minutes later, Zacuto struck again with another perfectly placed top shelf goal. That gave the Trojans the 3-2 lead entering the third.
Period 3
USC didn't play cautiously in the third and try to sit on the lead, but fairly early in the period, it was gone anyway. On the powerplay again, the Ducks' Bryson Crawford sent a pass that went from behind the USC net, through the crease, to Kevin Trihey at the point. Trihey sent a laser that went untouched past Keith to tie the game at 3 apiece. Despite late chances for both teams, the game went to overtime for the 2nd time in the last four meetings between Oregon and USC.
Overtime
But it simply wasn't meant to be. With 1:30 left in the extra session, the Ducks sent a breakout pass to winger Tyler McCarty who headed into Trojan territory in a hurry. USC would have had Bush and Hite back to stop the play, but Hite got caught heading to the bench in the middle of a change and it was Bush's job to handle McCarty. Bush did his best, forcing McCarty to take a backhanded shot from the near faceoff dot. But that was enough to beat Keith. It squeezed underneath the Trojan goaltender's arm clean into the back of the cage. That gave the Ducks a hard fought 4-3 win and extended their streak. USC came close and put up a stellar effort considering the lack of personnel, but as the saying goes.... "Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades".
Here are some other notes from the game:
- Zach Keith had a great performance in the game. He certainly rose to the occasion. Unfortunately, the one goal that could be pointed to as a "bad one" was the overtime winner. The goaltending situation is arguably the most intriguing aspect of the team right now.
- Clark McClanathan did a great job as a color commentator. One of his most interesting insights is hearing how this Trojan locker room is much more together than last year's. Expect that closeness to pay dividends in chemistry and effort as the season goes on.
- This is arguably the best USC has played so far this season... but not necessarily the best team USC has played to this point. If one thing was clear from this series, it's that Oregon is certainly beatable this season. But until the Trojans get that monkey off of their back, the Ducks will hold onto their bragging rights until someone knocks them off of their throne.
- James Anderson's move to forward appears permanent. The big reason cited is his lack of complete comfort on his skates. An understandable move. It will be interesting to see how Anderson adjusts to his new role (his third on the team in less than two full seasons).
- After talking with Trojan trainer Cindy Bailey it appears that Adler can start playing again one week after symptoms of his concussion subside. That may not mean he'll be on the ice against UCLA next Thursday and Friday, but expect a possible return on the road against ASU.
The Trojans have two big games next week against UCLA. For the record and the rivalry, these are clear must-wins. Until then.... fight on everyone!
OFFICIAL TROJAN SCORING
1st Period
Landsinger - 2 (Caravaggio) NOTE: Landsinger was screening on the play, but says he didn't touch it
2nd Period
Zacuto - 6 (Helmer) PP
Zacuto - 7 (Bush) PP
3rd Period
NONE
Overtime
NONE
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