RANGERS LET LEAD SLIP AWAY BUT HANG ON FOR DRAW IN DUNDAS

 

DUNDAS (Jan. 26) – The Glanbrook Rangers surrendered an early advantage and fell prey to a third-period rally, but still managed to hold on for a 5-5 draw against the Dundas Blues. It was Glanbrook’s first tie of the season, and their first since Feb. 24, 2022, also against Dundas.

Riding a four-game win streak and having won all five of their previous meetings against the Blues, the Rangers had every reason to expect a positive outcome, and initially it appeared that’s how it would go.

The Rangers stung the Blues with first-period markers by Terry Bridgland, Cooper Hood and Chase Johson and held that three-goal differential as the frame wound down.

“We came out playing hard and took control,” said Rangers’ coach Andrew Tait. “But Dundas was also playing very strong and motivated and we let off the gas pedal to allow them back into the game.”

Josh Houston connected just before the first period ended to cut Glanbrook’s lead to 3-1, but Tyler Smeda re-established the Rangers’ predominance with a power play goal just over a minute into the second period.

But again the Blues retaliated and by the end of the middle stanza, they had closed to within a goal on tallies by Nick Cutaia and Alexandros Economou.

“We just got away from our game plan and doing the things that made us carry the play,” said Tait. “A couple of defensive mistakes, mixed with a strong game by Dundas cost us.”

Rangers’ defenceman Daniel Vella appeared to administer the knockout punch with another power play goal at 2:53 of the third period to give Glanbrook a 5-3 lead, but the Blues just weren’t inclined to surrender.

Spencer Marler and Houston, with his second of the game, brought the hosts even and the deadlock took the game into an extra session, only the fourth time this year that the Rangers had been so extended. But unlike those other occasions, this prolongation failed to resolve the issue, despite some promising opportunities.

“As far as the OT went, I thought we carried the play, but just couldn’t capitalize on our chances,” said Tait. “Their goalie made some key saves, but when Jason (Sviergula) was called on, he did as well, making one the best saves this year on a great scoring opportunity for them.”

So, the bottom line was no win, but no loss either and the Rangers managed to keep alive their remarkable run of gaining at least a point in 22 consecutive games (20 wins, one overtime loss and one tie). And, as always, the takeaway includes lessons learned.

“It was one of those games where you give an inch and they take a mile. Kudos to Dundas for never giving up,” said Tait. “We learned that despite the score, no one is going to just roll over. We cannot take a night off.”

NOTES:  Bridgland’s goal, his 15th of the season, extending his scoring streak to five games … For the first time this season, Sviergula was not the winning goalie.  He made 28 saves to earn the draw after 14 consecutive victories, and remained undefeated in his 15 appearances … Defender Terry Mulholland made his season debut for the Rangers.  He re-signed with the team several games ago but was nursing a minor injury … Smeda added a pair of assists to his goal for a three-point outing.  Dallas Nadasdi also had two assists.  … The Rangers now have a 5-0-0-1 record against Dundas, outscoring the Blues 32-16 with one game remaining.