Hockey Rallies; Picks Up Point in Tie With Niagara

Friday, November 19

Niagara Falls, NY

7:00 PM

Army West Point

3-5-2, 1-2-2

Niagara

2-5-2, 2-1-2

OT 1

OT 2

Army West Point

Niagara

Photo by: Army Athletics

Hockey Rallies; Picks Up Point in Tie With Niagara

November 19, 2021 | Hockey

Box Score

By: Phil Tor

LEWISTON, N.Y. – Down 3-1 entering the third period, the Army West Point Hockey team took control of the game and scored two goals to finish in a 3-3 tie, securing a point in league play in the first of two games against Niagara.

Eric Butte once again came up clutch in the final minute of play with the game-tying goal at 19:05 in the period to force overtime,

The Black Knights were not able to secure the extra point in the game as Niagara earned the shootout win. Army moves to 3-5-2-1 on the season after the overtime decision.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Niagara was able to hold off a few early opportunities created by Army, as the Niagara goaltender saved the first shot of the game taken by John Keranen.

The Purple Eagles struck first with a goal at 5:08 in the period. Mitch Machlitt didn't let the Niagara lead last very long, as the sophomore netted a goal five minutes later at 10:10 to put the Black Knights on the board. Despite being out-shot 10-6 in the first 20 minutes, Army went into the first intermission locked in a 1-1 tie.

The luck rang true for Niagara in the second period as the Purple Eagles picked up a pair of goals that were created by a wild clearing attempt and an errant pass to take a two-goal lead. Army ramped up the offensive pressure in response and
started what would become a huge momentum swing in favor of the Cadets.

From 15:00 in the second period to the end of regulation, Army outshot the Purple Eagles 20-4, controlling the pace of play for the remainder of the contest.

The defense did their part in shutting down the Niagara attack, blocking six shots and taking away shooting lanes to protect goaltender, Gavin Abric, who made 18 saves on the night for Army.

John Keranen started the Army rally with a powerplay strike just 55 seconds into the third period. Anthony Firriolo and Brett Abdelnour set up the junior for his second goal of the season.

It was once again Eric Butte who provided the late-game heroics for Army, scoring a goal with just 35 seconds remaining to tie up the game at 3-3. Machlitt and Joey Baez set up Butte for the 6-on-4 powerplay strike that helped Army secure the point.

Butte and Keranen both created scoring chances in the five-minute overtime, combining for three shots on goal. Niagara was able to hold off their advance and the game would move on to a shootout.
The Purple Eagles picked up the extra point with the shootout win after keeping the Black Knights off the board.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

Mitch Machlitt tallied his third goal of the season to open the scoring for Army
Eric Butte and John Keranen both netted their second goals of the year
Army out-shot Niagara 22-5 in the final 25 minutes of play and 40-24 on the night
Joey Baez registered a pair of assists for his third and fourth points of the season
Anthony Firriolo extended his point streak to three games with an assist on Keranen's goal
Brett Abdelnour is also now on a three-game point streak with after dishing an assist tonight
The Black Knights powerplay has been rolling recently, scoring two goals on six attempts tonight
Army has now scored a powerplay goal in three straight games and in four of the last five contests
Thomas Farrell led the team with two blocked shots
Gavin Abric made 18 saves on the night and two big saves down the stretch to keep Army in the game

COACH RILEY'S POST-GAME REACTION

Coach Riley gives his thoughts on the Army comeback effort tonight #GoArmy pic.twitter.com/cxLdRvW3sj
— Army Hockey (@ArmyWP_Hockey) November 20, 2021

CADET QUOTES
"I thought our third period was indicative of how we want to play tomorrow. Overall, it was a great team effort to come back from a 3-1 deficit and I'm really excited to see how our group responds tomorrow. Hopefully we can carry that third period right into tomorrow and come away with three points." – Senior Captain, Eric Butte

"It was a great comeback at the end to get the point. We are confident and excited going into tomorrow. We had a lot of opportunities tonight are going to look to capitalize on a few more tomorrow. A win tomorrow would be a great end to the weekend and would mean a lot to our guys" – Junior Center, John Keranen

UP NEXT
The Cadets will face off opposite Niagara again tomorrow night at 5:00 PM in the second game of the series. Three points will be on the line again tomorrow night when the Black Knights and Purple Eagles drop the puck at Dwyer Arena.