The Lions' late goals in the 3rd period result in a 3-1 loss for the Glads
Pregame: Lions de Trois-Rivieres (25-26-5-3/58 points/10th place Eastern Conference) vs Atlanta Gladiators (20-38-3-1/44 points/14th place Eastern Conference)
Coming into tonight's game at the Gas South District in Duluth, GA (March 22, 2024 at 7:30pm EST), the Gladiators are hosting the Lions as both teams look to have a positive outcome as the regular season winds down.
The Lions are led by 4 scorers who have 40 or more points. Team leading scorers Anthony Beauregard (26 goals/23 assists/49 points) and Nicolas Guay (12 goals/35 assists/47 points) look to set the tone for the offense and make things difficult for Atlanta goalie Gustavs Grigals.
By the same token, the Glads look to put the Lions below .500 (they have a 5-5-0-0 record over their last 10 games coming into tonight's play) and visiting goaltender Zachard Emond. Both Micah Miller (22 goals/17 assists/39 points) and Jackson Pierson (15 goals/23 assists/38 points) lead the offensive push for Atlanta.
Prior to tonight's game, Atlanta forward Michael Marshesan joins us for our pregame interview. During our time before the puck drops, he shares his love for the game, the focus and work ethic of the team, areas of focus for tonight's game, and insight for younger players and fans (you may watch the full video below):
Recap: 2 late goals by the Lions lead them to a 3-1 victory over the Gladiators
After a scoreless 1st period, both teams trade goals in the 2nd period.
The Lions take a 1-0 lead at the 4:07 mark of the 2nd period. Nicholas Guay's 13th goal of the season (8th with the team) is assisted by Brycen Martin and Chris Jandric. Atlanta would later tie the game (at 1 apiece) thanks to Brendan Hoffmann's 6th goal of the year (assisted by Michael Marchesan, our pregame interview).
The Lions would breakthrough in the 3rd period and keep the Glads at bay.
John Parker-Jones' 8th goal of the year (assisted by Jacob Paquette and Alex-Olivier Voyer) would give them a 2-1 lead at the 7:57 mark of the 3rd period. While both teams would battle, including Atlanta having an edge in shots on goal (30 to 25), the Lions would hold their own.
An empty net goal by Nolan Yaremko at the 19:04 mark of the period would give the Lions a 3-1 lead and eventual win.
Despite outshooting the Lions and doing a solid job penalty killing (Atlanta does not allow a power play goal in 2 power play opportunities), by the same token, they are shut out on the power play (going 0 for 2). Both goaltenders play at a high level; the Glads' Grigals makes 22 saves while facing 24 shots, but his counterpart does slightly better, as the Lions' Emond makes 29 saves on the 30 shots he faces.
Atlanta returns to action on March 23, 2024 at the Gas South District (7pm EST faceoff) as it's Military Night.
Notes: All video and the first photo grid are recorded by CCSLLC (click HERE to visit their Instagram). The second photo grid is recorded by EmoryRose Photography (click HERE to visit their Instagram). For the 2023-24 season playlist of all player interview and game snapshots, you are encouraged to subscribe to our YouTube channel (click HERE).
