Plum boosted by Benitez's play in net, beats Armstrong 6-1
Sergio Benitez had a standout game with 30 saves, and Plum beat Armstrong 6-1.
Plum got the win on the strength of a great game by Nolan Puhala, who had two goals and two assists. Puhala scored the first of his two goals short handed at 16:44 into the second period to make the score 3-0 Plum. A tripping call on Benitez put Plum on the penalty kill. Puhala's next tally short handed made the score 6-1 Plum with 9:30 left in the third period. Plum had gotten the advantage when Armstrong's Donovan Wichowski was sent off for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Plum stifled Armstrong's power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. Plum kept Armstrong's goalie busy throughout the game, and Jacob Lorigan made 28 saves on 34 shots. Plum struggled to stay out of the sin bin throughout the game as it finished the game with 16 penalty minutes for five opposing power plays.
Others who scored for Plum included Dillon Morello, who had two and Zachary Nolan and Stephen Shields, who scored one goal each. In addition, Plum received assists from Anthony Borriello, who had one and Louis Poprocky and Zach Keller, who each chipped in two.
Armstrong did not reach the goal total it has come to expect this season. Armstrong averages 6.0 goals per game. Armstrong forced Plum goalie Benitez to work between the pipes, taking 31 shots. Armstrong found itself short handed often, totaling 28 penalty minutes and allowing 11 power plays.
Armstrong was led by Luke Gross, who scored the team's only goal. Gross scored 4:50 into the third period to make the score 3-1 Plum. David Contrael picked up the assist.
