The Capitals would play their second playoff game on Friday,
February 17th against the Howick Hornets. The two teams would battle for puck possession and control
throughout the game.
The first period had each team create several scoring opportunities as the game progressed. The goalie for each side would make several key saves. As time was winding down the Hornets would open the scoring with 1:14 remaining and would hold on to a 1-0 lead as the period ended.
Walkerton would come out quickly in the second and while able to beat the goalie were unable to beat the goal post behind him. Walkerton would crash the net again and again but the Hornets net-minder would make save after save. The Hornets would increase their lead when a hard wrist shot found the back of the Walkerton net with just over 4 minutes into the frame. Howick would lead 2-0 after 20 minutes.
Howick would continue to pressure the Walkerton net as the third period started. A goal 3:50 into the final frame would put the Capitals down by 3. With their backs against the wall Walkerton would fight back and score at 4:28 remaining when Jack Walter found the back of the net assisted by Seth Young and Travis Goll. Walkerton would continue to press and again be rewarded when Owen Young intercepted a clearing pass and shot from the hatch marks with just over 2 minutes remaining with a shot that beat the Howick goalie. The come back would come up short, however, and Howick would secure the win with a last minute goal to again restore the 2 goal lead.
The Capitals are now 1 and 1 early in the playoff season. We still have lots of hockey remaining. Unable to capitalize on a few early scoring opportunities would come back to haunt the Capitals in this one.
WALKERTON CAPITALS HOWICK HORNETS
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