Q: How do you defeat a team that has won 5 games in overtime this season?
A: Make sure you win the game in regulation!
The Exeter Blue Hawks asked that question of the Marauders last night, and Seth Stadheim answered in most dramatic fashion by scoring the game winner with 0.2 seconds left to play in regulation. The 3-2 win improved Hanover's record to 5-3-1 in the NHIAA and pushed the team above Exeter into 5th place in the NHIAA standings.
But before all that drama could take place, the stage had to be set in the second period when the Marauders came back twice from one goal deficits. Logan scored the first goal (assists to Zinman and Smith) on a laser beam of a slap shot, helped by Smith establishing perfect position in front of the goalie to set the screen.
After Exeter went back in front 2-1, the real highlight came when Tengdin scored his first career goal and staked his claim to "Goal of the Year" honors in the process. The sequence started ominously for the Marauders, with Acker hobbling to bench, hunched over and holding his mid-section, while Exeter raced up the ice 5 on 4. After what seemed an eternity, Jake finally reached the bench, allowing Drew to jump over the boards and join the play. At just that right moment, the puck squirted out of the Hanover defensive end and Tengdin picked it up at center ice. From there, he skated in on net, held off the pursuing Exeter defender with his left hand, and with only his right hand on the stick, slid the puck through the 5 hole before the stunned Blue Hawk goalie had time to gather himself.
At the other end of the ice, the Marauders received their typical outstanding effort from goaltender Loud, who was credited with 23 saves on the day, and the Hanover defensive corps. Another bright note for Hanover - they were charged with only two penalties on the day, well down from their season average.
Next up, a trip to the Ice Den in Hooksett on Saturday to face the always dangerous Pinkerton Astros. Puck drops at 1:00 PM.
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