Shootout Loss Leaves Anchorage with a Point

Feb 16, 2022

Springfield, Illinois | 2/13/22 | Isaac Smoldon

The Anchorage Wolverines gained just a single point against the Springfield Jr. Blues this past weekend, following a 2-1 shootout loss on Sunday. Both goaltenders played extremely well, with Raythan Robbins stopping 27/28 for the Wolverines, and Ethan Roberts making an astounding 45 saves on 46 shots to win the game for Springfield. The loss leaves Anchorage with a season record of 2-3-1 against the Jr. Blues.

The 1st period showcased the talent of both goaltenders, as Robbins and Roberts combined for 19 saves in the opening frame. 14 of those saves were made by Roberts, as the Wolverines outshot the Jr. Blues by a wide margin.

Despite Anchorage continuing the offensive onslaught in the 2nd, it would be Springfield who got the first goal in the contest. NAHL points leader Cole Dubicki tallied his 20th of the season to put the Jr. Blues up by one with just over a minute remaining in the middle period. Roberts stayed perfect in net for Springfield through the rest of the frame, making 11 saves and allowing his team to head into the 3rd up by one.

In the 3rd, the Wolverines would finally break through Springfield’s defenses to tie the game at one. Hunter Bischoff snuck one by Roberts at the 5:50 mark of the 3rd, scoring his 10th of the season. Both goaltenders had to come up big in the frame, with both Robbins and Roberts making 13 saves each in the final period.

With the score tied at one apiece, the game headed to overtime, but again, strong goaltending from both netminders delayed the final outcome. Anchorage had more chances in extra time, outshooting Springfield 7-2, but again, Roberts held strong to keep his team in the game. A four-round shootout followed OT, and while Drake Albers made attempt in the third round kept the Wolverines alive, Ethan Chesney sealed the game for the home team in the fourth round, with a shot that beat Robbins over his glove hand.

Following being swept this weekend, Anchorage sits just two points ahead of the fourth place Minnesota Wilderness with no games in hand. Springfield conversely, now has a three-point lead over the Fairbanks Ice Dogs for first place in the Midwest.

The Wolverines travel back to the state of Alaska for their next upcoming series, on the road against the Kenai River Brown Bears. Game time is 7:30 PM AKST, with all games streamed on HockeyTV.