Newmarket boosted by Bessette's play in net, beats Lindsay 4-1
Bo Bessette stood on his head and made 33 saves to lead the Newmarket Hurricanes to a 4-1 victory over the Lindsay Muskies at the Ray Twinney Complex Sunday afternoon. The victory evened Newmarket's season record at 16-16-1 and gives them a seven-point gap on Stouffville and eight on the Muskies for the eighth and final OJHL North-East Conference playoff spot. Pickering sits in seventh overall, five up on Newmarket.
Newmarket was paced by Buffalo Wild Wings Player of the Game Justin Maiolino with a goal and an assist. Trevor Petersen also had a "1 and 1" contest. Ian Farrell chipped in with two assists.
Nic Coric opened the scoring for Newmarket at 1:03 of the second period with helpers going to Ian Farrell and Adam Smith. Brandon Francisco scored at 4:37 to make the score 2-0. Jesse Saban assisted on the tally. Maiolino put the Canes up by three at 12:30.
After Peterson gave the Canes a commanding lead at 14:12 of the third, all eyes were on Bessette to see if he could rack up his second consecutive home shutout. It was not to be as the Muskies put one past him at 15:16.
The Hurricanes forced Lindsay goalie Branden Francey to work between the pipes, taking 31 shots.
The Muskies' penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on four Newmarket power plays. Lindsay's offense rang up 34 shots on Newmarket's net.
The Hurricanes incurred four minutes in penalty time with two minors. Francey recorded 27 saves for the Muskies. Lindsay incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors.
Newmarket now prepares for a back-to-back series with the North Division-leading Aurora Tigers Thursday at 7:30pm at the Twinney Complex, Friday night in Aurora. Game sponsors for Thursday's home contest are Newmarket Honda and The Pickle Barrel.
