Marquette, MI- February 28, 2017- There was a lot of nerves to start this game as it was a first playoff game for a lot of the players. Things continued to stay tight, physical, and reserved as the Redmen seemed to want to take few chances. Marquette was able to draw the first power play of the game and were able to cash in at a great time. They would be able to get the first lead of the game with just over a minute left in the period. And that would be the score heading into the first intermission.
First Period Score:
Marquette- 1
Escanaba- 0
Everything seemed to be going Marquette’s way after the first but a few minutes into the second period the Redmen would take an unnecessary five minute major to give the Escanaba Eskymos their first power play. And just when you think the Redmen were going to get out of that penalty without a even much threat a controversial call the Eskymos would get a minute of 5 on 3. Unfortunately for Marquette as well as their penalty kill was going, Escanaba would convert with a second left and still have a minute of power play time. Right after the end of the penalty the Eskymos would add another and claim their first lead of the game. That seemed to take a lot of wind out of the Redmen’s sails heading into intermission.
Second Period Score:
Marquette- 1
Escanaba- 2
The intermission seemed to help Marquette gather themselves after a rough stretch in the second period. The Redmen were able to get themselves back on the board to tie things up early in the third to swing things back in Marquette’s favor. The Redmen seemed to get the momentum back on their side as no more than five minutes later they were able to regain the lead. It seemed every time in this game that Marquette had things going there way a penalty would be called, halfway through the third period would be no different as a soft interference call would give Escanaba another power play. Luckily this time the Redmen would kill off this penalty. Marquette would put the nail in the coffin by scoring an empty net goal with 20 seconds left as the Redmen would play a flawless third and overcome a deficit and questionable officiating down the stretch.
Final Score:
Marquette- 4
Escanaba- 2
LISTEN LIVE – MARQUETTE REDMEN HOCKEY DEFEATS ESCANABA ESKYMOS 4-2.mp3
