After a two week layoff due to spring break, the guys got the opportunity to shake the rust off and get after a program that beat them last year in the playoffs. But this Redmond Mustang (3-2 entering the game) team is a different team than last year's playoff team: graduations and the loss of a couple of players to Lake Washington, most notably, Jake and Cody Bernstein, both recognized by westsidelax.com as top players in the area. Matt was looking forward to playing some competitive games and it's just what he got as Redmond staked a 2-0 first half lead before SLC shortened the divide by one before the end of the half.
SLC didn't panic and quickly tied the game. Matt raced to the crease, drew a defender and fed Andrew Wenzel, left all alone who promptly ripped a shot top shelf. Matt showed off his high lax IQ on that unselfish play. Later, Matt would close out the scoring on a beautiful left side dodge and double-clutch shot in front of the net.
As well as the offense hung in there and kept the pressure on Redmond, my props go to the defense. I'm calling them the Long-pole Rats from now on, because they just pestered and annoyed the Redmond short-sticks all second half. You're not to reward a dog for what you expect him to do, but this was a defensive effort that I hadn't seen much this season. The LPRats were exceptional when any Mustang into the crease they were met with cross checks and physical play. So hats off to the defense!
Redemption was sweet in beating their first-time playoff nemesis. Pretty sure we won't see this team in the playoffs as SLC and Redmond, for the moment, are heading in different directions. But the guys (and the parents) relished some competition in this closely fought game. And I'm sure the Mustangs will bring it the next time these teams face, April 28 at Interlake HS.
Tale of the Matt-tape: 1g, 1a, 4gb, 11 of 12 draws.
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