Mount Clemens, Mi.- The Chicago Cougars Elite unit recent surge hit a roadblock in Mount Clemens, Michigan, as the Metro Jets Elite squad defended home ice with authority, taking both games of a weekend series. The Jets earned a 4-1 victory on Sunday afternoon before completing the sweep with a 5-2 win in Monday's matinee matchup.
In Sunday's opener, Jets forward Justin Ward played the hero, notching his second and third goals of the season to pace the home team. Ward opened the scoring midway through the first period and doubled the Jets' lead in the second frame, with Johnny Tackett collecting assists on both markers.
The Jets' defensive unit, backstopped by Cameron Cyrus's 29-save performance, kept the typically high-flying Cougars offense at bay for most of the contest. Kyle LaMantia's third-period tally proved to be too little, too late for Chicago, as the Jets had already built a commanding 4-0 lead.
Monday's rematch saw the Cougars show more offensive spark, but the result remained the same. After a scoreless first period, the teams traded haymakers in a wild second frame that saw six goals light the lamp. Owen Coulter kickstarted the Jets' attack just 1:34 into the period, followed quickly by Johnny Tackett's first of the season.
The Cougars responded with fury as Jeffrey Schroeder netted two quick strikes just 48 seconds apart to level the contest. However, the Jets reclaimed control late in the period with Caleb Simpson and Cory Anderson finding twine just 40 seconds apart, deflating Chicago's comeback hopes.
Oliver Budd's third-period insurance marker sealed the deal for the Jets, who dominated the shot clock 43-26. Eliot Duerr stood tall in net for Metro, turning aside 24 shots to earn his first victory of the campaign.
The weekend sweep marks a significant momentum shift in the season series between these rivals. After Chicago had stolen a 5-4 victory in their first meeting on October 6th, the Jets' response on home ice sends a clear message that the battle for divisional supremacy is far from over.
Special teams played a minimal role in both contests, with neither team able to convert on the power play despite numerous opportunities. The games did feature some late fireworks on Sunday, with Leo Riani and Dominic Collins earning matching roughing minors in the dying seconds.
The Cougars, who entered the weekend riding high on a two-game winning streak, now return home looking to regroup. The losses drop their road record to 4-2-0 on the season, while the Jets improve to a perfect 2-0-1 on home ice.
"We'll learn from this weekend," said Cougars head coach Anthony Rohde. "Sometimes you need these reality checks during a long season. We'll get back to work and be ready for our next challenge."
Road Trip Notes
Jeffrey Schroeder continues his hot streak, now with 5 goals and 4 assists on the season
The Cougars used different goaltenders in each game - Nate Maurin (27 saves on 31 shots) on Sunday and Andrew DiSilvestro (38 saves on 43 shots) on Monday
Special teams struggled, with the Cougars going 0-for-6 on the power play across both games
Total shots for the weekend favored Metro Jets (74) over Chicago (56)
The teams combined for 34 penalty minutes in the series, with most coming in the final minutes of Sunday's game
The teams will meet again later in the season, with the Cougars undoubtedly looking to settle the score on home ice.
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