Copyright © 2001 Team ZOG Enterprises
DATE: 1/26/01
LAST SECOND GOAL SECURES SECOND PLACE FOR THE ZOGS
PORTLAND, ME - With 0.3 seconds left in last Tuesday's game, James Gilbert's backhand shot found the back of the net, as the ZOGS downed Play It Again, 3-2. For Gilbert it was his second goal and third point of the night. With 9:00 minutes expired in the first period, Greg Perry cleared the puck out of the ZOGS defensive zone to Andrew Bradford, who fed the puck to Gilbert on a partial breakaway for the ZOGS first goal of the game. The ZOGS made the score 2-0 early in the second period on a powerplay goal by Rob Carrier with an assist to Gilbert. However, the two goal lead was squandered by the ZOGS in the third period, as two miscues in the defensive zone led to two point blank goals by Play It Again. The remainder of the third period was neck and neck, with both goalies making key saves. In the final :17 seconds, the ZOGS put five forwards on the ice for better puck control. A face-off occurred just outside their blueline, which the ZOGS won into their defensive zone. The puck was worked up the ice towards Play It Again's net and set around the boards for the final few shots. Nick Gordon working the point grabbed the puck before it cleared the zone and ripped a shot. However, a Play It Again forward blocked it. The puck squirted over to Perry who quickly fed it to Carrier about 15 feet out. His shot was deflected by the goalie right onto Gilbert's stick. Gilbert had been waiting backdoor and now found himself with his back to the net and the puck on his stick. Without looking at the clock or towards the goalie to see where he set up, Gilbert concentrated on going top shelf. As soon as the puck hit the back of the net, the horn sounded, and the ZOGS erupted in elation. After the game Gilbert talked about his spectacular goal. "When the puck landed on my stick from Rob's shot, I didn't think to look at the clock or the goalie. All I thought about was trying to lift the puck and get it on net. I didn't even know how much time was left until I heard the horn blow. Then I looked at the ref, and he signaled goal." Another important win for the ZOGS as they look to surge ahead as they enter the playoffs.
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NEWS OF NOTE: With this win, the ZOGS have clinched second place in the league and have secured a first round by in the playoffs. It is their highest finish to date in team history. They end the season next Tuesday, January 30th at 11:20 PM against TEC Associates. . . Playoffs are slated to begin in the middle of February. Please check the website for dates and times, which will be posted shortly.