Rolling Meadows, IL – The Chicago Cougars Premier squad's Saturday night did not go as planned, falling 5-3 to their crosstown rivals, the Chicago Crush, at West Meadows Ice Arena. Despite a spirited third-period push, costly penalties and a rough second period proved too much to overcome for the visiting Cougars in this heated USPHL divisional clash.
Penalties Sink Chicago Cougars Early
The Cougars found themselves on their heels early after a quick goal by the Crush’s William Kenny just three minutes into the first period. Despite some strong play from goaltender Cameron Boville, who made 18 saves through two periods, the Cougars couldn’t gain much traction offensively. The real trouble began in the second period, when a string of penalties opened the door for the Crush to take over.
A parade to the penalty box left the Cougars shorthanded for much of the second period, and the Crush made them pay. Spencer Kauke’s power-play goal at 4:07 doubled the Crush’s lead, and just 36 seconds later, DJ Long scored to make it 3-0. Head coach Josh Dallmann’s frustration was evident on the bench as his team’s lack of discipline continued to cost them, with the Cougars taking six penalties over the course of the game.
"We beat ourselves tonight," Dallmann said after the game. "When you give a team that many power plays, you’re digging yourself into a hole. It’s tough to come back from that, especially against a well-coached team like the Crush."
Musyakevych Sparks a Comeback Attempt
The Cougars’ lone bright spot in the second period came when forward Alexander Musyakevych found the back of the net at 6:48, cutting the Crush’s lead to 3-1. Musyakevych’s unassisted goal gave the Cougars some life, but their struggles with penalties kept them from building any sustained pressure. A power-play strike from Peter White late in the period extended the Crush’s lead to 4-1, leaving the Cougars with a steep hill to climb entering the final frame.
Late Push Falls Short
The third period saw the Cougars regroup and come out swinging. With a power-play opportunity early in the frame, forward Damien Calzada struck at 5:24 to cut the deficit to 4-2, and suddenly the game was back within reach. The Cougars continued to press, and defenseman Jordan Trakosas brought them even closer with a goal at 14:12, assisted by Brett Tumbrink, narrowing the score to 4-3.
However, just as the Cougars seemed to be gaining momentum, another untimely penalty – their eighth of the night – allowed the Crush to put the game out of reach. DJ Long’s second goal of the night, a power-play tally at 11:03, provided the insurance the Crush needed, sealing the Cougars' fate.
Discipline Issues Plague Cougars
The Cougars were their own worst enemy, spending 16 minutes in the penalty box compared to the Crush’s six. The Crush capitalized on three of their seven power-play chances, while the Cougars managed to convert just one of two opportunities with the man advantage. Despite outshooting the Crush 11-7 in the final period and finishing with 27 shots on goal, the Cougars couldn’t overcome the damage done by their frequent trips to the penalty box.
Backup goaltender Nick Gingold, who came on in relief of Boville midway through the second period, made 11 saves on 12 shots in a solid showing, but the Crush’s special teams proved to be the difference.
Looking Ahead
With the loss, the Cougars fall to 1-2 on the season. Dallmann emphasized the need to clean up the team’s discipline issues as they prepare for their next contest. "We’ve got to be better," he said. "This league is too competitive to be giving away power plays like that. We’ll regroup and be ready for the next one."
The Cougars will look to bounce back Sunday when they travel to Michigan to take on the Metro Jets, hoping to tighten up defensively and get back in the win column.
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