The LaSalle Vipers opened their playoff run on Friday night with a 4-1 loss to the Elmira Sugar Kings in Game 1 of their first-round series. Heading into this matchup, LaSalle knew they were in for a challenge. Elmira finished the regular season as the second seed in the conference and took three of the four meetings between the two clubs.
The opening period was physical from the start as both teams looked to strike first. The Vipers were the ones to do so as Shawn Costello found the back of the net at 9:24, giving the Vipers an early 1-0 lead. Penalties began to pile up late in the period. At 12:40, Elmira was assessed a five-minute major, while Grady Spicer received a two-minute minor for cross-checking. Elmira answered later in the period, tying the game at 15:55 before the teams headed into the intermission tied at one.
The second period continued the physical play, including a stretch of 4-on-4 hockey at 6:20. The Sugar Kings eventually broke the deadlock at 14:38, taking their first lead of the night. Roughing penalties were handed out at 17:06 to Elmira and Charlie Moskowitz before the second period came to a close.
Elmira pulled away in the third period, adding two more goals. One at 7:00 and one at 13:00 to secure the game 1 win. Despite several scoring chances throughout the game, the Vipers were unable to find the back of the net again after Costello’s first period marker.
LaSalle will look to bounce back quickly as the series continues Sunday night when the Vipers return to Elmira for Game 2.
Article: Emma Cicovacki
Photo: Isabella Ruccolo
