DANBURY – Nick Avakyan stopped 43 of 43 shots, Nick Jarmain and Charlie Zetterkvist each scored once as the Johnstown Tomahawks (28-20-3) defeated the Danbury Hat Tricks (20-30-3) by a score of 2-0 in regulation time in Danbury, CT.
On Saturday night, The Danbury Hat Tricks got themselves off to a way better start than the night before. Granted, that’s only because they didn’t surrender a goal within the first three minutes of the 1st. However, they did earn the games first power-play opportunity after Hawks defenseman Andrew Cowgill was assessed a tripping minor. Although they came up empty on the early power-play, Danbury tilted the ice for what seemed like the remainder of the 1st, controlling possession and offensive zone control. Tomahawks goaltender Nick Avakyan was his usual locked in self, stopping all 18 Danbury shots sent his way. Despite a late power-play opportunity, the Tomahawks were held to just six shots of their own through 20 minutes with the score remaining at zeroes.
The 2nd period was definitely played at more of an even pace, with both teams generating good opportunities but it was once again the Tomahawks who struck first after Nick Jarmain deflected a Kirby Perler point shot home to give the Hawks a 1-0 lead. Andrew Cowgill also got the secondary assist on the goal.
When you own the majority of play in the 1st period as Danbury did, it’s important to have something to show for it on the scoreboard. When you don’t, you allow the opposing team to ease themselves into action and flip the scale back in their favor, which is exactly what the Tomahawks did.
The rest of the 2nd period was filled with high-speed hockey and a lot more back and forth from both sides. Nick Avakyan was once again the story in the period stymying all seven Hat Trick shots to improve his total to 26 saves after two periods. The Hawks took the 1-0 lead to the locker room despite being outshot 26-14.
The 3rd and final period of the weekend got underway and although the Tomahawks had the lead, the game was just one-shot away from being tied. Both teams continued the solid style of play from the first 40-minutes and the track meet went on. With 2:57 left to play in regulation, the Tomahawks got the insurance marker they needed with the Danbury net empty as Charlie Zetterkvist sealed it from 150+ feet making it 2-0.
It wouldn’t be unfair to say that the Tomahawks got outplayed for a majority of the contest. Sometimes a goaltender has the ability to take a game over and under no circumstances, allow anything past them. Nick Avakyan who was starting his 10th consecutive game for the Tomahawks in a true workhorse role, showed no signs of exhaustion, stopping all 43 Danbury shots for his 1st shutout of the season.
The Tomahawks are back on the road next weekend for a series in New Jersey for a HUGE 4th place showdown! Friday night’s game will begin at 7:30 from New Jersey. Stay connected by following us on social media @tomahawkshockey. Can’t make it to the game? Watch every Tomahawks matchup live on NATV!
BY: DREW P. PFEIL | drew@johnstowntomahawks.com