In one of the most intense games of the season, the Screaming Squirrels came within two minutes of posting a victory Sunday, but lost the lead and then the game in overtime to the Panthers, 3-2.
First place in the division, the Panthers had already beaten the Squirrels twice this season, and the Squirrels knew they were in for a fight. After skating to a scoreless first period, the Panthers were first to strike with a bouncer from the point after the Squirrels failed to clear the zone. In the third period, defenseman Chi Pham skated around several players and sunk a shot from the left side to put the Squirrels on the board. Minutes later, Greg Wenograd scored as the second line kept up the pressure in the offensive zone.
With two minutes remaining, the Squirrels again failed to clear the zone and the Panthers took advantage to tie the game. With only seconds left, the Squirrels unleashed a series of shots in a final attempt to win in regulation. As the buzzer sounded, frustration set in, and the Squirrels took two end-of-regulation penalties, and headed into overtime one man down. The Panthers kept up the pressure and scored on the second shift during their power play.
Matt Borlik started in net for the first time this season for the Squirrels, making 22 saves. Oriana Senatore assisted on both goals, and Wenograd also had an assist.
The Squirrels played without starting goaltender Drew Thiemann, defenseman Sergio Balatan, and forward Jared Genser, who was in West Africa.
The next game is Thursday, March 31, 8:20 in Rockville against the Cobras.