On Monday night, the Edwardsville Tigers hosted the Granite City Warriors in game two of their best-of-three series in the second round of the MVCHA 2A hockey playoffs. On Jan. 6, the Warriors won a 3-2 decision to go up 1-0 in the series. However, this game would bear little resemblance to game one as the Tigers rolled to a 6-3 victory at the East Alton Ice Arena.
Granite City drew first blood at 7:56 of the first period on a nifty end to end, unassisted goal by senior forward Nick Sabol. The Warriors seemed to carry most of the play early in the game and went up 2-0 at 6:59 on a goal by Matt Burton that was assisted by Brant Takmajian.
Edwardsville sustained some pressure late in the period but was held scoreless by Warriors netminder Cameron Barton.
Edwardsville junior forward Jon Weisner beat Barton at 9:12 of the second to put the Tigers back in the game at 2-1. Marshall Gevers assisted on Weisner's tally. Edwardsville then tied the game 29 seconds later as Gevers scored from Weisner.
At this point, Edwardsville was starting to control play and get multiple scoring chances. The Warriors were missing their best defenseman, Ryan Tinsley, who was unable to play because of the flu and the Tigers were looking to take full advantage.
However, at 4:28 of the second period , Burton (assisted by Riley Vanyo) put the Warriors back on top 3-2 and Granite City had temporary life.
Edwardsville's Max Cobb opened the third period by scoring a power play goal at 11:29 that was assisted by Weisner. This goal seemed to give the Tigers the spark they needed as they reeled off the next two goals to take a commanding 5-3 lead. Gevers and Weisner each scored their second goals of the game as senior Tyler Krapf recorded a pair of assists. Zach Schnur wrapped up the scoring for the Tigers with an empty net goal from Cory Johnson at :25. Edwardsville's dominant play in the last two periods was reflected in its 47-30 advantage in shots at game's end.
The same two teams will meet at 8:45 p.m. Tuesday at East Alton to decide who moves on to the MVCHA finals next week. Edwardsville will be looking for revenge as Granite City has eliminated them from the playoffs in the last three MVCHA seasons.
