GTHL Game Review – Toronto Marlboros 5-4 Vaughan Kings – AAA Bantam 05’
The GTHL was back in action as the Vaughan Kings clashed with Toronto Marlboros.
The Kings headed into this game after a 1-1 draw in the game against the Rebels. And on the other side, the Marlboros headed into this encounter after a surprising 7-5 defeat in the game against the Flyers.
Vaughan Kings Review
The Kings were looking to get back to winning ways after a defeat and a draw in their last two games. And it seemed like they are ready for a battle as they started the game really well. Also,
It did not take long as Stefan Forgione shot’s light the lamp to open the scoring. This had a galvanizing effect on the Kings and they started to control the biscuit. There was a high energy level and the Vaughan side came close on a couple of occasions. Supino played really well on the right-wing and Andrew Lanni had a notable presence at back. This good play was there and Nathan Fehr scored clinically from a close range.
The Kings were not able to maintain that high tempo throughout the first period and that opened a few chances for their opponents. The Marlboros took advantage of that and managed to score. At this point, Vaccari had made a few crucial saves to keep the team in the game. Yet, the talented goalkeeper was not able to prevent the 2nd goal of the Marlboros in the last minute of the 1st period.
The Kings had 9 shots on target in the first period and their goaltender Vaccari made 5 saves,
In the 2nd period, the Kings tried hard but were unable to turn the tide in the game. On the contrary, the Marlobos started to dominate on the ice and took the lead through Ryan Nichollas. And shortly after, their opponents scored the 4th and the 5th goal. Therefore, the Kings had a mountain to climb. Nathan Fehr and Andrew Lanni came close but their shots were saved by the opposing goaltender.
In the 3rd period of the game, the Kings pushed really hard to get back into the game. Moreover, their efforts were rewarded as Anselmo Rego and defencemen Andrew Wycisk both scored and those goals brought a dramatic last few minutes of the game. Jackson Mayo, Giacomo Martino and Andrew Lanni played really well at that point but their shots were saved by the opposing goaltender. The Kings were unlucky to lose the game as they showed great character and determination in the 3rd period.
On the offensive side of the game, the Kings score an average of 3.1 goals per game.
On the defensive side of the ice, the Vaughan side is conceding an average of 2.1 goals per game. The Kings played well in the first and the third period of the game. Surely they deserved more in this game. However, the luck was not on their side.
Toronto Marlboros Form
The Marlboros were the only undefeated team in the league. However, that is not the case anymore as the Flyers beat them. That was their first defeat of the season. Therefore, they hoped to get back to winning ways in this game. But their start was not that great as the opponents dominated the middle of the ice. Moreover, the Marlboros kept losing the biscuit and their goaltender had to make some breadbasket saves. Yet, Joey Costanzo was not able to prevent the Kings from scoring two consecutive goals. Shortly after, the Marlboros started to take control of the game and their playmakers dominated the middle of the ice. That good play resulted with Christopher Grisolia and Chase Coughlan scoring to make it 2-2. And that galvanized the Marlboros offensive game as they dominated the puck until the end of the first half.
In the final period of the game, their opponents took control. Therefore, the Marlboros opted to defend their lead. Goaltender Costanzo was the key figure at this period for the Marlboros. Even though he conceded 2 goals, his remarkable saves in the last moments of the game secured the win for the Marlboros.
On the offensive side of the game, the Marlboros score an average of 4.3 goals per game
On the defensive side of the ice, the Toronto side is conceding an average of 2.1 goals per game.
Final Thought
All in all, this was a really interesting gong-show type of game. The Kings played really well in the 1st and in the 3rd period of the game. On the other side, the Marlboros showed their class in the 1st and in the 2nd period. Both sides deserved something out of this game. And the Kings will feel unlucky to get something out of this game
