Chris Clegg
South Peace News
One game certainly does not make a series but the Falher Pirates will have to find a way to solve Manning Comets’ goaltender Braden Gamble.
Gamble was spectacular in stopping all 49 shots fired his way as the Comets won the first game of the best-of-seven NPHL Final 4-0 March 9.
The Comets dominated play much of the night, outshooting the Comets 22-3 in the first period and 16-7 in the third. Even when the Pirates were afforded power plays, it did not matter. The Pirates were blanked in their seven chances.
After a scoreless first period, the Comets stuck first. Kye Whillans scored only 13 seconds into the second period. Little did anyone suspect, it would be all the offence the Comets needed. Edge Lambert made it 2-0 with 4:54 left in the period on a power play, with Neil Maisonneuve in the sin bin for holding.
Kurt Bensmiller and Lambert’s second of the night in the third period concluded the scoring.
It was the first road loss of the playoffs for the Comets after six games.