By Patrick Frenette
Lukas Fursten makes 39 saves on 42 shots, along with Dietz and Korodiuk picking up goals, was not enough on Friday night. As the Hat Tricks lost 3-2 against their division rival, the Maine Nordiques.
In the first frame, Nordiques starting goaltender, Carter Richardson, duked it out with Hat Tricks goaltender, Lukas Fursten, as both goalies held their own throughout the majority of the period. However, a goal 18:10 into the period from Maine forward, Nils Forselius, ended the streak, and gave the Nordiques a 1-0 lead.
In the second frame, Danbury turned up the heat, grabbing eight key shots-on-goal to apply more pressure. 8:16 into the period, Hat Tricks defenseman, Ivan Korodiuk, sent a beautiful pass up the ice for Hat Tricks forward (and former Nordique), Grant Dietz, who went right over the head of Richardson. 1:46 later, Nordiques forward, Kellen Murphy, would answer with a goal of his own to take the lead back for Maine. It was not the end of the scoring in this period though, as 7:57 later, Grant Dietz would return the favor and give Ivan Korodiuk the assist that lead up to Korodiuk going top shelf in front of Richardson.
In the final frame, the Hat Tricks would enter the period, tied at two, with an opportunity to take their first lead of the night. Goaltenders, Fursten and Richardson, would once again help their teams stay at bay. An unfortunate goal from Maine forward, David Helledy, would ultimately seal the deal on the night for the Nordiques, as they pulled away with the 3-2 win.
We spoke with Head Coach, Patrik Stefan after the game and he remained positive. “Being tied going into the third period against this very good Nordiques team was a positive tonight. Hopefully we can take these positives and start with the lead, grab the first goal, then go from there.” Stefan closed his statement, saying, “I’m sure it’s going to be a battle tomrrow and we’ll see what happens.”
The Hat Tricks are back in action at the Colisée tomorrow night, to face off against the Nordiques for the final time this season on NATV for a 7 p.m. puck drop.