Huskies bite Squirt Panthers again

Dateline: April 25, 2010, Franklin Park.  The Panthers dropped their first match this season 6-1 to the Huskies, so fans could be excused for concern about the rematch.  Although the result perhaps did not satisfy, the Panthers' improvement certainly showed. 

Coach Schultz started BJ Carmicheal and Gio Gulino on defense, Mike Sliwinski and Anders Lempia up front.  The first period quickly devolved into a scrum, the only score coming at 9:26, when a Huskie took the puck in  traffic, split the Panther defense, and scored. 

Sarah Steadman had a nice one-on-one situation, which she easily broke up.  Although the Panthers had some quality chances, they could not find the net and the period ended with the Panthers down 0-1.

Early in the second period, the Huskies stole the Panthers' puck deep in their own zone.  Novice defenseman Aleks Gronkowski couldn't get back to defend the breakaway and the Huskies scored to go up by two at 10:28.

Then it was Panthers for a while.  Forward Adam Tzaska broke away late in the second, sending the puck through the 5-hole, and getting the Panthers back within one.

The Panthers evened the score at 10:46 in the third when Center Mike Sliwinski scored.  The Panthers managed at least five more quality chances in the rest of the third, but couldn't quite find the net.  Meanwhile, the Huskies broke away on defenseman Joe Sabatino, pushing their total to three goals.

The match ended with the Huskies up by one.

There was some comedy to lighten the mood for Panthers fans.  With two minutes to go, and the Panthers down by one, Coaches Sliwinski and Schultz were screaming at goalie Joseph Schmid to leave the goal, but he either couldn't hear them or refused to budge.  Meanwhile, this reporter's five year old asked for $5 "because he was hungry," then returned with a snow-cone and three dollars in change.

The improvement in the Panthers from game 1 was remarkable, and these two likely playoff foes look to brawl in the postseason.

Squirt Panthers Shut Out Chiefs -- Stout Defense Gets Cats Off The Schneid

Dateline: April 18, 2010, Bensenville.  The 0-2 Panthers’ practice together has finally started to tell, and the team to gel, as the defense came together for a stunning shut-out win over the Chiefs of Bensenville this morning. It was a good day for it, too, as the game turned physical.  Playing out of their accustomed forward positions, Carmichael and Aleks Gronkowski (11) slotted into tough defense handing out as good as they got.  Steadman kept the zone clear, hamming the puck across the blue line.  Overall, it was a stellar effort.

Playing his best skaters on defense, Coach Artie Schultz looked to solve the team’s defensive woes from its prior two games -- and it worked.  Starting a defensive line of Sarah Steadman (17) and B.J. Carmichael (12) with a frontline of center R.J. Jones (7) and forwards Mike Sliwinski (15) and Anders Lempia (2), the Panthers started strong.  Battling along the boards and earning several good shots, the Panthers controlled the ice and kept the puck in the offensive zone for the entire first period.  The bigger, stronger but slower Chiefs had no good scoring opportunities while the Panthers had several.  But the Panthers failed to convert and the game went into the second period knotted 0-0.

That would change early  in the second period.  About 90 seconds into the frame, Jones would score on a beautiful setup from Lempia, both of them celebrating the new lead.  Center Sammy Holy (10), playing up from defense, was everywhere, and earned several important chances keeping the pressure on the Chiefs’ goalie.  Then, with 50 seconds to play in the second, Adam Traska (16) also playing up from his normal spot on defense, made a beautiful unassisted shot over the Chiefs’ goalie’s left shoulder to break the game open.  The second period ended with the Panthers leading, 2-0.

In the third period, Coach Schultz changes his lines around and featured Sliwinski for much of the frame.  Jones had another quality chance, while goalie Joseph Schmid (14) made a spectacular but questionable on-his-back save to hold the Chiefs scoreless.  On that play, Schmid took three consecutive shots, but could not seem to find the puck after the third rebound.  The referee blew the whistle, believing Schmid was lying on the puck, and about a second later the Chiefs shoveled it in.  But the call was a no-goal, and the shut-out continued.  Finally, with only three minutes left to play, Holy’s persistence paid off as he slammed in a 10-footer from the right side, sealing the 3-0 win.

“I love a shut out,” defenseman Steadman was heard telling the press after the game.  “Offense is flashy, but defense wins championships.”

Hi Ho Silver, Squirt Panthers Fall to Rangers

Dateline: April 10, 2010, Niles. Coming off a disappointing 6-1 opening match loss to the Huskies, Coach Artie Schultz’s Squirt Panthers were looking to rebound today against the Niles Rangers. Although their game showed great improvement and signs that the team is coming together, the effort was ultimately not enough to notch the Panthers’ first win.

Schultz started Sarah Steadman (17) and Adam Tzaska (16) on defense, with a front line of Anders Lempia (2), Danny Schultz (9) and Ryan Macri (8). Things started off well enough when the Panthers drew a penalty and a powerplay opportunity at 8:45. Notwithstanding a 10 minute delay as the officials got the penalty on the scoreboard, the Rangers killed the penalty. Seconds later, however, forward Adam Ihmoud (6) scored and things looked promising for the Panthers. The Rangers ultimately retaliated twice, including a wraparound goal on goalie Joe Schmid in the waning seconds of the first period, and the score was 1-2 in favor of the Rangers. The score should have been 2-2 but for a goal waived off by the referee who appeared to be asleep.

Rangers scored again a few minutes into the second frame, giving them a two-goal lead. Then, midway through the second, Panthers rallied. Forward Gio Gulino (5) scored on some nice passing by the Panthers, and forward Sammy Holy scored seconds later on a nice centering pass from a teammate. That knotted the game at 3-3. Schmid held the score with a beautiful save with 4:50 left in the period, and things looked solid.

It was then momentum took a turn in Rangers’ favor as the period went wild. Aleks Gronkowski (11) was called for roughing, and the Rangers went on the powerplay. Despite Carmichael’s best short-handed attempts to score, Rangers earned the point with 2:52 in the frame, then scored another with only 1:12 to play. Ihmoud scored his second goal on a beautiful re-direct from line-mate Carmichael with 59 seconds to play, but 9 seconds later the Rangers scored right back on an odd-man rush with a shot that slotted the puck between Schmid’s pad and the pole. The period ended with the Panthers down 4-6.

Rangers scored twice more as the Panthers seemed to lose steam in the third, and the match ended with the second Panthers loss, 4-8.


“We played better today,” said Coach Schultz. “Good first period. Good second period. Some bad luck. But the team is coming together. It won’t be long before we notch a win.  We have one goal.”

Schultz's Panthers Squirts Sport New Roster For Second Season

Dateline: March 15, 2010. Hockey’s second season started today, following the draft in Franklin Park. Coach Artie Schultz’s Squirt Panthers feature mostly rookies at the squirt level but a few veterans too.

On Offense, Schultz has veterans B.J. Carmichael (12), Adam Ihmoud (6), Danny Schultz (9) and Aleks Gronkowski (11). Rookies include Gui Gulino (5), R.J. Jones (7), Anders Lempia (2), Nick Luedke (3), Ryan Macri (8), Joe Sabatino (13), Angie Schults (4), and Mike Sliwinski (15).

On Defense, the team is all rookies with Sarah Steadman (17), Adam Tzaska (16) and Sammy Holy (10) the only committed defensemen.

The team has two goalies, Sammy Schultz (23) and Joseph Schmid (14).

“What we lack in experience, we’ll make up in toughness,” said Steadman.

Bertuca's GM Panthers Claim Regular Season Yellow Division Crown

Dateline: February 28, 2010, Franklin Park.  The Panthers were named regular-season champions of their bracket.  With only one loss in the bracket, this was a foregone conclusion.  Congratulations to the Panthers on a fine season.

Panthers Skin Bruins Again

Dateline: January 16, 2010. The Panthers notched another win against the Bruins organization this afternoon.

The Panthers surrendered the first goal, again, at 6:53 in the first period, but then went on a tear scoring seven straight for an easy 7-1 win.

Center and Team Captain Mike Sliwinski scored first, followed by goals from Gio Gulino, CJ Kruger, Gulino again, Sliwinski again, Zander Babich, and Sammy Holy.

The story of the game was defender Sarah Steadman. Penalized at 2:47 in the second for roughing and 2:12 in the third for tripping, Steadman gave it up to protect the lead. "Don't worry about the penalties," Coach Bertuca told her after the game. "If I was upset, you'd know it."

"I'm not worried," Steadman told the press after the game. "It's nice in there. They have TV, a hot tub, massage, music, whatever you want," she joked. "And I'm thinking of renaming it the Steadman box."

Future NHL Hall of Fame Player Makes First Appearance on Ice

Dateline: 2010 01 10. Emma Steadman, future NHL hall of famer, made her first appearance on the ice today. "It was cold," said Emma. "And I need a nickname."

Admirals Sink Huskies -- but score first and score thrice

Dateline: January 10, 2010, Oak Park. The Oak Park Huskies showed remarkable improvement today. Forward Brendan scored his first goal of the season at 8:45 in the first period, giving the Huskies' their frist llead of season. Unfortunately, it lasted only about 30 seconds, as the Admirals retaliated at 8:17 scoring their first goal. The Huskies played a solid game, scoring twice more -- once late in the second period and once again at 7:03 in the Third. But they but could not hold off the stronger, bigger Admirals. The final score was 9-3.

"We have a lot of work to do, but we played solid hockey at some points today" said Number 12, William "Bakugon Pokemon Hot-Rod" Steadman.

Panthers Skin Bruins - Bertuca finally nets first goal

Dateline: January 09, 2010. The Panthers rebounded from their recent loss (which ended a 10 game streak) with a pounding of the Bruins today and 10 goals.

The Bruins drew first blood, scoring on a hard shot from the point at 8:01 in the first period.

But then it was all Panthers. Gio Gulino evened the score less than 30 seconds later. Goalie Hanulik came alive, trapping several shots. Gulino scored again in heavy traffic early in the second period, popping a rebound into the net at 10:48.

Then things really got exciting. Frankie Bertuca, who had been seeking his first goal all season, camped out at the top of the crease. Teammates Mike Sliwinski and Gio Gulino worked tirelessly to get him the puck, and he finally connected slapping the biscuit in the basket to make the score 3-1 at 9:34 in the second period.

Gulino finished his umpteenth hat trick of the season with the fourth goal 20 seconds later.

In the third period, CJ Kruger got in on the action, scoring at 10:45. "Stop scoring," ordered the coach. But the Panthers couldn't help themselves.

Guilino scored the 6th goal, and Zander Babich scored the seventh. Gulino scored again at 5:48.

Coach Bertuca began to mix his lines, and defenseman Sammy Holy moved to forward, scoring the 9th goal at 3:20 and the 10th at 1:13.

Defenseman Sarah Steadman saved the 10-1 tally with 35 seconds left, tripping a breakaway Bruin and taking a trip to the box for the team.

"We are back," said Steadman after the game. "Be afraid. Very afraid."

Huskies Fall to Redwings 9-1 But Show Improvement

Dateline: January 4, 2010, Oak Park.  The Oak Park Silver Mite Huskies took the ice today, one game after their debut loss to the Leafs but with renewed purpose. Playing at home for the first time, the Huskies were enthusiastic. “Let’s get ‘em!” cried defenseman William Steadman, #12.

The Huskies played tough hockey all day, but could not seem to crack the Redwings’ goalie. “He was huge,” said one player. “I think I saw him playing for the Redwings’ Gold Mite team a few weeks ago,” said another player’s father.” “Cheaters,” concluded another fan.

“I don’t know if he cheated or not,” said William Bakugan Hot-Rod Pokemon Steadman. “But he looked absolutely stupid in that Viking-horn helmet. I mean, their the Redwings, not the Vikings. Where did he get that crap?”

The Huskies ultimately lost the match, and were down 5-0 late in the second, but did find something to give their fans hope. With 3:00 left to play in the second, forward Jamie hammered one in for the Huskies’ first goal of the season, celebrating all the way down the ice.

“We now have something to build on,” said Steadman.

Panthers Streak Ends at 10 With Loss to Bruins

Dateline: January 4, 2010, Addison Ice Arena.  The battle-weary Panthers finally dropped a game this afternoon. Riding a 10 game win streak into the match, the Panthers had played 8 games over a holiday break that included two huge, emotional wins over the Blackhawks and three league wins to catapult them to the top of the division 3 standings. But they couldn’t keep the momentum as the Bruins stole some thunder.

Playing at home, the first two periods went pretty much as planned. Coach Tony Bertuca mixed up his lines, giving the start to center CJ Kruger with forwards Zander Babich and Vince Pelini, and anchored on defense by Sammy Holy.

The Bruins drew first blood with a goal at 9:23, but the Panthers roared back. Gulino made it 1-1 less than a minute and a half later with a nice chip in shot, and the period ended tied.

Bertuca used the intermission to issue fresh battle instructions, and the Panthers immediately capitalized with a goal at 9:39 in the second. The defense was stout in the second period, defenseman Sarah Steadman leading the way with several steals and hammering the boards. The Panthers scored again at 3:57 and Gio Gulino got a third goal at 1:54, and the Panthers looked like they were on cruise control. Gulino scored a last-second shot at the buzzer, and the Panthers led 4-1 going into the second intermission.

Then all hell broke loose. The Bruins’ defense stiffed, chasing the puck often 4- or 5- on one. And the tired Panthers couldn’t keep up. Holding the Panthers offense in check, the Bruins offense scored at 8:31. The Panthers gave up a tripping penalty at 6:03 but looked safe when the Bruins committed a matching offense at 5:43 and the teams were each at four-man strength. But as the penalties expired, the Bruins managed another goal at 3:50, and a fourth goal to tie the match seconds later at 2:56.

Coach Bertuca called a timeout, but his tired team could not rally. The Bruins scored a fifth, and decisive goal at 2:23. They lobbed in a meaningless sixth goal at the buzzer, and the Panthers went home crying with a 6-4 loss.

Several fans voiced their ire at the referees in what was later questioned. “These kids didn’t lose because of the refs,” said one parent. “They dropped a game because they were tired.”

“It’s no cause for alarm,” said defenseman Sarah Steadman after the match. “It was a hard game, on the road, and we came up a little short. It happens. Hell, no one in the NHL gets an 11-game win streak and we were not likely to either. We’ll get them back at home in Franklin Park in two weeks.”

GM Panthers Bag Leafs Again

 

Dateline January 3, 2010, Leafs Ice Center.  Fresh off their victory at the Orland Park holiday tournament and riding a nine-game win streak, Coach Tony Bertuca’s GM Panthers 1 team were sharp and ready for action this afternoon. Starting the Sliwinski-Gulino-Bertuca line that performed so sharply over the holidays, the team looked to capitalize on a smaller, slower Leafs team. “Not only were they small and slow,” said one fan, “I think they are dulled by being coddled. Have you seen their facility? There are Olympic National teams that don’t have such nice ice. But they have it all. I think that probably costs them an edge.”

The Panthers started quick, hammering the Leafs with their characteristic tough defense. Defenseman Sarah Steadman was active from the start, blocking shots and stealing the puck. The offense took that defensive energy and capitalized early, with center Mike Sliwinski scoring on a pass from Gulino three minutes into the first period. A glove-bump ensued. Gulino capitalized on a Leaf mistake near the end of the first period, lifting the puck past the home goalie and making it 2-0 at the buzzer for the first intermission.

In the second period, the Leafs fought back. Following a breakaway and nice shot by second line center CJ Kruger, the Leafs picked up the puck on the rebound and broke the other direction, scooting a shot past goalie Sebastian Hanulik to make it 2-1. Then it was all Panthers. Forward Vince Pelini scored at 5:49 in the second, and Kruger scored at 4:32 to put them game safely away at 4-1.

The Panthers got a huge chance for glory late in the second period, when the Leafs committed two quick fouls. With 3:36 on the clock, the Leafs had two men in the box and the Panthers had a 5-on-3 powerplay. Kruger, playing on a line with Gio Gulino, capitalized on the advantage with 17 seconds left in the second power play and 2:23 left in the second period to make it 5-1.

Coach Bertuca mixed his lines with some experimental combinations in the third period. That resulted in a meaningless Leaf goal with 8:08 left to play. Cosette Divinere, playing center, had a nice shot near the end of the match that was just blocked by the Leaf goalie, and the Panthers prevailed 5-2. “A facility like that is for sissies,” said Divinere. “You get used to being coddled like that, and you forget how to play smash-mouth hockey.”

Huskies Silver Mite Team Debuts But Drops Game -- William "Bakugon Hot-Rod Pokemon" Steadman hits the ice

Dateline January 3, 2010.  The Oak Park Silver Mite Huskies made their long-awaited appearance today at the Leafs Ice Center in deep-suburban Chicago. Although they showed spunk, they simply did not have enough to bag the leafs. “I like to think it was a learning opportunity,” said defenseman William Steadman playing in his new #12 jersey. “We certainly have a lot of room to improve, and we intend to do so.”

The Huskies began quick, but were slowed midway through the first quarter when one of their forwards fell and decided on a nap. After the coach roused him, the Huskies allowed the Leafs to net their first goal at 9:35. Unfortunately for the Huskies, they never regained the lead and in fact failed to score for the rest of the contest.

There were flashes of brilliance, however. Forward Hanna displayed excellent puck-handling and defenseman Steadman showed nice skating. Steadman also played a bit at center in the second period, winning the first face-off of his career.

The happy Huskies dropped the match 5-0 (or at least that is what the scoreboard said -- the officials may have missed a few Leaf goals along the way) but were thrilled with their first performance.

After the match, Steadman’s sister Sarah “Go-San” Steadman of the Franklin Park Panthers called Steadman to congratulate him and attach a moniker for future stories of this type. “Good work,” she said, “but you need a nickname. For soccer season, you were ‘hot rod.’ You going with that?”

“It’s not enough to capture my essence,” replied brother William.

“What do you want?”

“I want something with the fighting spirit of the Bakugan Battle Brawlers and the fame of the Pokemon!”

“OK. I’ll tell the reporter (named Dad) that from now on you are William Bakugan Hot-Rod Pokemon Steadman.”

“Perfect.”

GM Panthers Finish Arctic Ice Tourney Unbeaten -- Win Championship -- Claim Trophy

Dateline: December 29, 2009, Orland Park Arctic Ice Holiday Tournament.  Sunday evening, December 27, the GM Panthers finished off the play-in portion of the tournament with a 6-3 victory over the Arctic Ice Leafs.  They had a well-deserved day off, then prepared for the tournament championship game with a well-deserved day off.

Tuesday was the big day: a re-match against the Panthers' toughest opponent yet, the Arctic Ice Blackhawks.  "We had beaten them on Sunday morning, so we knew they would be pissed off," said defenseman Sarah Steadman.  "It was sure to be a good test."  As it turned out, it was a true classic.

Steadman was supported by a huge crowd of family and friends, including "uncle" Ken Kennedy and "uncle"  Matt Hertko.  The other Panthers all had their own cheering section, too.  "Those damn Panther parents are obnoxious," this reporter overheard more than once.  And he didn't care a bit.

As the two teams arrived at the rink for the final skate, the trophies were already displayed.  "Wow, a first place trophy and a second place trophy, so we get a trophy no matter what!" said a teammate.  "We don't want no second place trophy," shot back Steadman.  "Second place is for the first losers.  We only want the big one."

Coach Tony Bertuca fielded the same line he has used to start most of his recent wins: Gio Gulino at center with Mike Sliwsinski and Frankie Bertuca up front; Steadman and Maggie VanErmen on defense with goalie regular Sebastian Hanulik between the pipes.  The game started where Sunday's match left off, with plenty of hard play, tight defense, and a few slashes by the Blackhawks against Panther legs when the referees were conveniently looking away.  Then, two minutes into the first period, the Hawks scored on a nice breakaway to make it 1-0 and put the Panthers down for only the second time in the tournament.  "The scored first in our prior game too," said Steadman.  "They are tough. They come out and punch you right in the nose, and you have to respond."

The Panthers Mike Sliwinski retaliated just as the first period expired, with 22 seconds on the clock. Gio Gulino made a nice break, splitting Blackhawk defenders, then dished the puck to Sliwsinski who hammered it into the back of the net.  Panthers 1, Blackhawks 1.

The  Panthers got their first of three powerplays early in the second, when the Hawks were called for slashing at 7:07 to go.  They failed to convert, but Sliwsinski scored shortly thereafter and CJ Kruger added another off the second line and so by 5:20 in the second period the Panthers led 3-1.  But the Hawks responded, scoring two quick goals at 1:48 and 1:27 in the second to even the score at 3.

The fourth period descended into a slug match, with plenty of shoving and tough play.  Both goalies made spectacular shops, Hanulik especially making timely saves and dropping on the puck to stop Hawk breakaways.  Kruger scored again with 4:30 to play, and the Panthers looked to be in good shape but the Hawks responded marvelously scoring less than a minute later to knot it at 4 each.  "What happens in overtime?" asked Uncle Matt Hertko.  "Sudden Death!" Screamed Steadman's father.  "But we want to win it in regulation."  Coach Bertuca wanted to win it in regulation too, screaming at his players and yelling specific instructions. 

Then Bertuca loaded his front line, moving Sammy Holy to forward with Gulino and Sliwinski with Steadman and VanErmen on defense.  "That's his best five," was the comment overheard in the stands.  "Can't miss."  The line failed to score, but the strategy worked perfectly as the tired out the Hawks.  The next line held the score, and then Gulino found the net again on his next shift, scoring with just 3:18 to play. 

The crowd was at this point at fever pitch, but the Panthers dug in, refusing to allow another score.  The Hawks shot again and again, desperately trying to get back in the game, and even fouled with just 20 seconds left, but to no avail.  The horn sounded ending the game, Panthers 5, Hawks 4. 

A massive celebration ensued, Coach Bertuca stage-managing the official ceremony and then the Panthers managed an unoffiical ceremony immediately thereafter.

The Hawks now ride a 9-game streak back into regular season play, facing the Leafs on Saturday at the Leaf Center in West Dundee.

GM Panthers Pluck Blackhawks in Toughest Test Yet

Dateline: December 27, 2009, Orland Park Arctic Ice Arena Holiday Tournament.  GM Panthers 1 faced their toughest test yet this season early this morning, facing the Arctic Ice Arena "Blackhawk" team.  Arctic Ice fielded three teams for the tournament: Leafs, Canadiennes, and Blackhawks.  But they loaded Blackhawks with their fastest, biggest, most-skilled players. 

Panthers owned a six-game win streak, thanks in large part two two hat-trick games in a row.  But this match proved very defensive on both sides with brilliant saves and block after block.  Both sides attacked aggressively, but it was not until late in the game that either one figured out the tough goalies.

Coach Tony Bertuca fielded yet another new starting set as he continued to tinker with the lines.  Gio Gulino and Mike Sliwinski started with Frankie Bertuca up front, and Sarah Steadman started with Maggie VanErmen on D. 

Blackhawks announced they would be no cakewalk with in the opening minutes, taking the puck from the faceoff and driving down to shoot on goalie Sebastian Hanulik.  Hanulik looked to be in trouble, having blocked two shots but unable to find the rebound, when a Blackhawk slid into him, knocking the net from its moorings.  That was to set the tone.

For the next two periods, the action rocketed up and down the ice, with both sides making hard hits, shots on goal, and major steals.  Fathers from both sides screamed their lungs out with instructions, to no avail.  At one point, on a long icing pass down the ice, defenseman Sarah Steadman let the puck slide to the end and across the red line.  "What are you DOING?" shouted Coach Bertuca.  "What are you doing?"

Finally, with 9:16 left to play in the third, the Blackhawks figured out Hanulik on a breakaway and rebound, netting the puck for a 1-0 lead that seemed likely to be insurmountable given the strength of both sides' defense.

The Panthers were not about to give up.  They worked the puck, passing and shooting, until Center and Team Captain Mike Sliwinski finally hit a goal with 5:07 left to play, tying the game at 1 apiece.  Just over a minute later, he netted a second goal on a breakway, giving the Panthers the lead for good. 

In perhaps the most-exciting moment of the game, Co-Captain Gio Gulino shot as fathers screamed "Shooooooooooooooooot!" from the sidelines with less than a second left to play, netting a third safety goal and sewing up the game.

"That was exhilarating," shouted one father (this reporter).  "Incredible." 

With the win, Panthers advance to 3-0 for the tournament, with one to play.  Every other Gold Mite team has at least one loss so far; and so it is likely the Panthers will advance to the finals at 5:10pm on Tuesday.

GM Panthers Deport Canadiennes 7-0 -- Mike Sliwinski chips in second hat trick of the day for Panthers

Dateline: December 26, 2009, Orland Park Arctic Ice Arena Holiday Tournament.  In the nightcap of the Mite portion of this tournament, the Panthers won easily supported by their second hat trick of the day.  Mike Sliwinski hit the first three goals, at 6:21 and 2:51 in the first, and 6:25 in the second, for his first career hat trick.  Gio Gulino hit a fourth goal at 1:48 in the second and Sliwinski added a fifth with 32 seconds left in the frame.

The Canadiennes finally figured out goalie Sebastian Hanulik in the third, scoring at 10:31, but it was too little and too late.  The Panthers defense settled down, preventing any further goals, while Sliwinski added another Panther goal at 1:03 in the third and Zander Babich a final net with seconds to go.

Defenseman Sammy Holy was penalized for hammering a Canandienne into the boards, but the Panthers’ penalty kill (which has recently been terrific) came through again.  The penalty could not have been considered too serious, as Panthers Coach Sliwinski gave Holy a fist-bump after he was escorted to the box.  "Do it again," he said quietly.

Steadman delivers a hammerblow along the boards

Defenseman Sarah Steadman played an outstanding game, stopping everything.  She was also seen swatting an errant glove away from its owner.  “That wasn’t very sporting,” her mother chided her after the game.  “I don’t want to see that again.”  Coach Bertuca liked what he saw out of Steadman, however, putting a sticker on her helmet for hustle.