I think by now everyone knows what happened after this weekend's games but I think it deserves a blog entry regardless. The Force lost game one after some strong goaltending by both Jeff Teglia and Ryan Massa. Massa finished with 29 saves on 31 shots, Teglia stopped all 24 Force shots for the shutout and the 1-0 series lead for Omaha.
In game two, the Force were able to overcome a 1-0 deficit going into the 3rd period with three straight goals to start the third and an empty netter to finish it off to give the Force a 4-2 victory and the series tied at one heading to Fargo on Wednesday.
I think everyone has heard about the vicious hit by CJ Ludwig on Corey Leivermann. From what I've heard things were really getting ugly in the third and the refs lost control of the game, things escalated, and bad things happened. I hope Corey Leivermann is alright. I don't think anyone ever wants to see anyone get hurt in a hockey game regardless of which team you may be for. Leivermann is doubtful for the rest of the series and Ludwig has a 5-game suspension which the Lancers are appealing because they believe it was a "clean hit". I didn't get to see the hit, but it sounded like an intent to injure to me. I think anytime you are down by two with under a minute remaining and head hunting, it's a dirty play (just my opinion).
From what I've seen of Ludwig's hits, he appears to head hunt a lot of players. I think this is what the NHL is trying to take out of the game now. I am sure the USHL will be looking to address it as well. Ludwig hit on Leivermann below.
Back to the hockey - the Force are now in control of the series after tying it up 1-1. I say they are in control despite the series being tied because the Force now have home-ice advantage for the rest of the series with two games at home that they could use to close it out. Ryan Massa had another strong game for the Force stopping 31/33. Matt Leitner (2 goals) and Nate Condon (1 goal, 1 assist) led the team with two points each. Highlights of the game (excluding extra-curriculars shown below).
EDIT: Suspensions - CJ Ludwig is suspended for 5 games. Ryan Daugherty is suspended for one and Matt Leitner is suspended for one game.
Links from the series:
