Written by: Rory McGouran
Photo Credit: Patrick Garriepy
With 15 games remaining, and suffocating standings straddling the playoff line, every game will be the most important of the season from here on out.
The Generals built on that belief with a performance that grew stronger over 60 minutes, culminating in a 4-1 victory over the Johnstown Tomahawks on Friday night.
The two teams were separated by just three points before Friday night’s matchup, with the Generals currently holding a playoff spot with 48 points and in 5th, while Johnstown was on the outside of the postseason with 45 points and in 7th. A weekend going the wrong way for the Generals could have flipped the script entirely. However, a victory prevented it.
After a scoreless opening period, the Tomahawks struck first with their leading scorer, Nick Jarmain, picking up his 27th goal of the season. The Gens held an 8-13-0-1 record this season when giving up the game’s opening goal, but were quick to tie the game when Alec Hall settled a rebound before firing it past goaltender Nikita Oleksiienko for his 17th goal of the season.
This marked just the 12th time through 45 games this season that the Generals entered the third period in a tie. Although being marginally outshot in the third, the execution and urgency were well in the grasp of the Gens.
Kody Moyer banged home a net front scramble for his 15th. Cole McKenna picked up his 4th goal of the year off a heavy point shot, and Logan Poulin dazzled with an unassisted backhand following a net front turnover for his team-leading 18th of the season.
Rich Rucireto finished as the only multi-point scorer, picking up two assists. Meanwhile, Mikey Bartkowski made his long-awaited return to the lineup after missing 23 games with an injury and added an assist. The Generals’ record with Magic Mike in the lineup is 13-4-1.
Keagin Wilson got his second straight start and stopped 26 of 27, picking up his 6th win of the season.
The General’s urgency will need to stay the course with the two teams wrapping up their season series on Saturday. Puck drop is set for 5:30 at the Canton Ice House.