They were in line to win back-to-back games at home, but with one minute remaining in the game Saturday night, the Bonnyville Pontiacs “stood around” as their opponents claimed the victory, according to head coach and GM Chad Mercier. The Pontiacs eventually lost in overtime Saturday to the St. Albert Steel, after winning the night before in a game against the Olds Grizzlys. Bonnyville also played Wednesday, but gave a poor performance, losing in a lengthy shootout to rival Lloyminster Bobcats.
Despite the two extra-time loses, the Pontiacs picked up four valuable points this week to move into sole possession of second place in the division. “These are key points of the season, we have to make some separation or we're going to be bottom-feeders again,” said Pontiacs assistant captain Devon Kalinski following Saturday's 2-1 overtime loss to the Steel.
The Pontiacs started the week out wrapping up their four game road trip in Lloydminster. If there was ever a game that you would expect at the end of a long road trip, this was it. The Pontiacs appeared lethargic and without energy for most of the game. They were outshot 41-23 by the Bobcats, with goalie Julien Laplante arguably the only thing keeping them in the game, stopping 39 of 41 shots.
With Bonnyville down a goal and being badly outplayed heading into the second period, the team's power play unit stepped up, scoring two goals in the first two minutes of the period, to take the lead 2-1, but only momentarily. Only two minutes after Kalinski scored the Pontiacs' second goal, the Bobcats came back to tie it up at two.
The third period had no scoring and the game headed to overtime. Overtime solved nothing, so a shootout was required.
Being used to short decisive shootouts, a hockey fan would not have been expecting the rare 24-player marathon of a shootout that took place Wednesday. Each team sent 12 players to centre ice for a shot on net, but neither team was able to get one past the stellar goaltending of Laplante or the Bobcats keeper Kraymer Barnstable. Then finally, the Bobcats final shooter, rookie defenceman Mitchell Gartner was able to slip one by Laplante for the win.
After the lackluster start on Wednesday and an intense pre-game skate Friday, the Pontiacs came out with a lot more energy against Olds. In fact, both teams were skating well, but it was Bonnyville that got on the board first. Kalinski scored to make it 1-0 halfway through the first, assisting on the goal were Jake Towriss and Nick Scott.
Then late in the period, the Pontiacs struck again. This time it was Ryan Kearns taking a nice feed from Matt Montesano, to make it 2-0 with only 40 seconds to go in the period. But the Pontiacs were not done, as speedy forward Dante Borrelli made a nice rush up the ice and threaded an even nicer pass to Kalinski, who tapped it in for his second of the game.
With the score 3-0, the shots 15-5 after the first, both in favour of the Pontiacs, it was pretty clear who was out-playing who on this night.
With the second underway, Pontiacs assistant captain Kevin Carthy made a nice second effort after getting knocked down at the blue line, but got up, took a few quick steps towards the net and snapped one past the Olds goalie for a 4-0 lead.
Bonnyville appeared to have the game all wrapped up, but Olds had other plans. With two minutes left in the second Olds connected on a long stretch pass and was able to score on Connor Creech, who started the game in place of Laplante. Then only a minute later, Olds struck again to make the score 4-2 for the Pontiacs heading into the third.
Bonnyville came out looking to strike back and just 10 seconds into the third, Ty Carey made a perfect pass to Kalinski who scored his third goal of the game.
The Grizzlys were able to score a late goal on the power play to make it 5-3, but Bonnyville again responded, this time into the open net, making it 6-3. Olds managed one more goal with eight seconds left, but it was too little, too late.
Saturday's game against the Steel was a heartbreaker for the Pontiacs, not to mention their fans.
Both teams came out fast and hard, with St. Albert getting the first few solid chances. But, Laplante was there to bail his team out, making a huge save 15 minutes into the first, sliding across his crease to rob the Steel player in close.
The first period ended with the teams scoreless.
The second period was very fast-paced, but neither team gave up much defensively. That was until Carey wound up and blistered one by the Steel goalie for the 1-0 lead.
With a minute left in the second, Carthy made a huge hit at centre ice, causing a turnover, giving Kalinski a break, but he was turned away and the period ended 1-0.
The third period was highlighted by not too many chances and not too many whistles, just straight back and forth play.
It appeared Bonnyville was going to be able to hold on for the 1-0 win.
With six minutes left, Laplante lost sight of the loose puck and Scott had to take a penalty to prevent the goal. On the ensuing penalty kill, Laplante saved the day, as he reached back and pulled the puck off the line before it could be put in. He then made a miraculous glove save with only two minutes left. Bonnyville was hanging on to its lead by a thread.
Then with the Steel goalie pulled and the Pontiacs scrambling around, the puck found its way to the point, where it was wristed softly through the crowd and floated right by a helpless Laplante.
It took the Steel only 43 seconds to score in overtime, sending the Pontiacs off the ice clearly mad at their play in the final minutes of the game.
“We played 59 minutes, we stood around and watched for the last minute and we stood around and watched for the 3 on 3…but you gotta give (St. Albert) credit,” said Mercier following the overtime loss.
“We give up 16 shots in 59 minutes…(but) we weren't able to match their intensity in the last minute and in overtime we lose the hockey game, it's unacceptable.”
An unhappy Kalinski echoed his coach's comments, “You can do all the good things, but in the end, if you give up for a minute, then what's all the hard work for?”
The Pontiacs penalty killing remains a strong point for the team, killing 11 of 12 penalties this week, to remain in the top three in the league in penalty killing.
Pontiacs forward Devon Kalinski got his first hat-trick of the season Friday. Kalinski put up four goals and one assist in three games this week.
Tyler Henry remains out of the lineup, after taking a high hit Nov. 6 against Okotoks.
Dante Borrelli suffered a lower-body injury in Friday's game and did not play Saturday. He will be re-evaluated Monday and is listed as day-to-day.