Schmelzer's big game bests Pickering in 7-4 Buffalo win
The Buffalo Jr. Sabres' Ryan Schmelzer had a big offensive game, scoring two goals and contributing four assists in his team's 7-4 win over the Pickering Panthers.
Schmelzer scored at 1:43 into the third period to make the score 4-2 Pickering and again while on the power play 16:19 into the third to make the score 5-4 Buffalo.
Referees had their hands full with a major incident at 9:14 into the third period. Four fighting penalties were dished out along with two game misconducts.
Pickering was unable to stop Buffalo from sending pucks towards the net, and the Jr. Sabres eventually piled up 32 shots on goal. Buffalo surpassed its usual scoring output this season. The Jr. Sabres have scored at the pace of 4.6 goals per game during the current campaign. Buffalo took advantage of the Panthers' penalties, tallying three goals off of five power play opportunities.
Buffalo also got points from Darren McCormick, who also had one goal and two assists, Nick Desimone, who also registered one goal and one assist, Max Mikowski, who also racked up two goals and two assists, and Nolan Sheeran, who also registered one goal and one assist. In addition, Buffalo received assists from Tony DeVito and Tim Kielich, who contributed one a piece.
Pickering's defensemen played an important role in the offense, chipping in two goals.
The Panthers were led by Michael Walker, who had one goal and two assists. Walker scored 12:32 into the second period to make the score 2-0 Pickering. Nicholas Lepone provided the assist. Pickering additionally got points from Lepone, who also finished with one goal and one assist. Pickering also had goals scored by Tanner Shaw and Ian Chen APM, who each put in one. More assists for Pickering came via Keegan Ackerland, who had two and Matteo Condotta and Doug Carter, who each chipped in one.
Joseph Pianta made 25 saves for the Jr. Sabres on 29 shots. Buffalo ended with seven minutes in penalty time with one minor and one major. The Jr. Sabres ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Josh Gabriel was ejected from the game. Steven Dombrosky rejected 25 shots on goal for Pickering. The Panthers totaled 16 minutes in penalty time with three minors and two majors and had no power play opportunities. Team's Mark Tenuta and Riley Devine were slapped with misconducts and ejected from the game.
