Columbus, GA – The Columbus River Dragons lost to the Blue Ridge Bobcats, 2-1, in a heated exchange Saturday night.
The first period was generally an even matchup. Neither the River Dragons nor the Bobcats were able to generate any momentum. The first 20 minutes concluded scoreless, 0-0.
In the second period, Nicolas McHugh capitalized on a Blue Ridge power play, putting the Bobcats ahead 1-0 at 8:05, and helped keep the River Dragons from making any headway. The period concluded with a Bobcats lead, 1-0.
Carson Andreoli took advantage an early turnover, and scored what would become the game-winning goal only 24 seconds into the 3rd period.
The rest of third period exploded, with both teams getting slapped with penalties and offering each other several scoring opportunities until the game’s conclusion.
Columbus turned up the heat in an attempt to close the gap on Blue Ridge. At 9:05, Alexander Jmaeff scored on assists by Nolan Slachetka and Connor Lind, making it 2-1.
Although Columbus generated several good shots on Hunter Virostek’s goal, nothing solidified and the game ended in favor of the Blue Ridge Bobcats, 2-1.
Columbus went 0-6 on power plays during the matchup, and Ryan Hunter’s 6-game scoring streak came to a halt, as did Cody Wickline’s 5-game scoring streak.
Alexander Jmaeff has tallied his 198th pro point tonight.
Columbus travels to Biloxi to square off against the Mississippi Sea Wolves on Sunday, while the Blue Ridge Bobcats will face the Carolina Thunderbirds in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on Tuesday.
Photos by Toni Rae Hill
