Road woes for Neepawa Natives hinder playoff hopes

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Published on Wednesday, January 27, 2016

By Eoin Devereux

The Neepawa Banner

A road weary Neepawa Natives squad was simply unable to mount much of a challenge on Sunday, Jan. 24, against the Winnipeg Blues. Three power-play goals for the Blues, including two in the first period, helped them to a dominant 9-2 victory at the MTS Iceplex in Headingley.

The early power-play markers, along with a full strength goal by James McIsaac all came within a two minute and four second span early in the opening frame. Forward Justin Metcalf scored for Neepawa late in the first on a power-play opportunity, to make it 3-1.

In the second, tired legs caught up to the Natives and Winnipeg was able to take advantage, out-skating and out-chancing throughout the period. That effort paid off in a big way for the home side, as Winnipeg scored four more goals, to secure a 7-1 lead heading into the final 20 minutes of action.

Two more goals by the Blues in the third, made it 9-1, but Justin Metcalf was able to add another goal to Neepawa’s side of the scoresheet late in the game, to make the final score 9-2. Winnipeg goaltender Jacob Gnidziejko picked up the victory, stopping 19 of 21 shots he faced For the Natives, Tyler Gutenberg lasted just over 30 minutes, before getting replaced between the pipes by Jeremy Link. Gutenberg stopped 20 of 26 shots, while Link was able to save 23 of 26 shots the Blues registered on him in the second half of the game.

Earlier in the weekend, Neepawa had a much more respectable showing, taking the Selkirk Steelers to overtime, before falling 4-3. Neepawa had several quality opportunities throughout the game, but was thwarted by the outstanding play of Steelers goaltender Hayden Dola. On the other side of the ice, Jeremy Link also put in a solid performance, as he returned from a recent lower body injury.

Late in the third period, it appeared that Selkirk would be able to hold on to a two goal cushion, leading 3-1 with just under five minutes remaining in regulation. Jordan Martin started the rally with 4:46 remaining, scoring his sixth goal of the season. Then with a little over a minute left in the third, Kyle McDonald scored to tie things up at three apiece. Nolan Richards and Brayden Atkinson assisted on the marker. Earlier in the game, Atkinson had also scored Neepawa’s opening goal. The hopes of a dramatic come from behind victory however, were dashed quickly, as Riley Derlago scored at 1:04 of overtime. That was his third of the night and ensured a pair of points for the Steelers. Neepawa meanwhile, would have to make do with a single point.

Neepawa continues to find itself dealing with the difficult task of getting back into the playoff race in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL). As of Tuesday, Jan.26, Neepawa was 11 points back of the Waywayseecappo Wolverines for the final spot in the playoffs.