Toronto Nationals Take Tough Loss From Outlaws in OT Thriller

TORONTO NATIONALS TAKE TOUGH LOSS FROM OUTLAWS IN OT THRILLER 

 

The Toronto Nationals appeared to be ready to win their fourth game of the season, until Denver came back in full force to steal the win away in overtime. John Grant Jr. had five goals in the game, including a two-pointer. Steve Giannone ended the game with his goal 48 seconds into overtime with the final score of 15-14. The Outlawsí Jesse Schwartzman was the Bud Light MVP of the game for his 14 save effort. 

 

Denver opened up the game with a two goal lead after five minutes of play. But, Toronto quickly transformed into the team that has been dominating over the past two weeks. Kevin Huntley put the Nationals on the board, throwing off Denver goalie Jesse Schwartzman with a few stick fakes off a pass from Dan Dawson. Brett Bucktooth was next to hit the back of the net, scoring his tenth goal of the season. Just under a minute after Bucktooth, John Grant Jr. tossed in a two-pointer, giving Toronto a two goal lead. A goal from The Outlawsí longpole Drew Westervelt finished off the quarter; the Nationals were up 4-3.

 

The Nationals completely dominated the Colorado team in the second quarter, giving up only two goals to the Outlaws. Steven Waldeck made his presence known, scoring in transition, just a 1:10 in. Dawson got first of the game, before Grant Jr. became almost unstoppable. Using one hand, while being swarmed by two defenders, Grant Jr. made a incredible goal off a flick of his wrist. 48 seconds later, Grant Jr. got another goal, bouncing it past Schwartzman. He did it once again, scoring with a behind-the-back bounce shot. The Denver goals rounded out the half, finishing with a score of 9-5. 

 

The third quarter proved to be a little more difficult for Toronto, yet seemingly had back and forth goals throughout. Denver opened the second half with a goal on an early powerplay. Kevin Huntley got his tenth goal of the season, after receiving a pass from Queener at midfield. Westervelt and Dawson both got their second goals of the game, while Garrett Billings picked up his first from a pass from Geoff Snider off the faceoff, 10 seconds after Dawson. The Outlaws brought the score within two, before Grant Jr. scored his fifth of the game and seventieth on this season. Brendan Mundorf and Alex Hopmannís goals ended the quarter, leaving Toronto with a two goal lead, going into the fourth with a score of 12-10.

 

Jordan Hall would not go unnoticed in this game either, making sure he hit the corner of the net, catching a pass from Billings. But that would be the last goal of the night for Toronto, with Denver forcing the game into overtime with three goals of their own. Just as quickly as sudden death began, it was over. Denver used their momentum to their advantage, winning the face off and got the ball to Giannone, who threw it in to win the game. 

 

The Nationals face off against the Long Lizards Lizards in their last game of the regular season at Lamport Stadium on Saturday, August 7th  at 7:00 p.m. Tickets start as low as $16.95 and can be purchased by calling 1-877-9GO-NATS.