Braehead Clan 7 Edinburgh Capitals 2
The Clan’s season has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride so far and, after a staggering 9-4 away defeat to Hull mid-week, the pressure was on to deliver at home against an on-form Edinburgh Capitals.
It was clear from the very start that Braehead were out for a big result. Mike Bayrack opened the scoring at 7.36 and, a mere 27 seconds later, Adam Walker scored unassisted to extend the lead.
Edinburgh seemed to shake off the cobwebs in a much more competitive second period. Vince Connon took Braehead 3-0 up after collecting a rebound and smashing the puck into the Caps’ net, but the visitors responded immediately, Richard Hartmann deservedly getting his name on the score sheet.
The Capitals went on the powerplay soon after following an interference call on Jade Galbraith. They capitalised (no pun intended, honest) on the man advantage, Rene Jarolin adding a goal to his assist earlier in the game.
Edinburgh had brought the score to 3-2 and, with plenty of feisty challenges and turnovers, looked to equalise on a number of occasions. They had no such luck, however, and Jordan Krestanovich (34.23) and Jade Galbraith (37.55) took the Clan back ahead by 3 goals by the end of the second period.
The fight seemed to have gone out of Edinburgh entering the third. Braehead remained the more coherent and cohesive of the two teams, and before the night was out, Jim Jorgensen and Brock McPherson took the score to a decisive 7-2 victory.
A particularly one-sided score sheet, but up until halfway through the match, this was anyone’s game. The Capitals were unlucky in much of their offensive plays – but let’s not take anything away from an improved Clan defence.
A solid performance all-round for Braehead, but the two stand-outs tonight were undoubtedly Jade Galbraith and Vince Connon, the latter picking up a well-earned Man of the Match following a tough shift on the ice and the Clan’s game-winning goal.
Referee: Neil Wilson
Period Scores: 2-0 / 3-2 / 2-0
Powerplay: Braehead 0/2, Edinburgh 1/1
Penalty Mins: Braehead 2, Edinburgh 4
MoM: Braehead – #5 Vince Connon, Edinburgh – #14 Danny McIntyre
