Sports
Tanners Roll to 4-1 Win Over Big Blue
Swampscott plays hard for three periods, but Tanners ice victory Saturday night, 4-1.
A tale of two coaches Saturday night in Peabody’s 4-1 win over Swampscott at Salem State.
One, Swampscott coach Gino Faia, pleased with the effort, the other, Peabody coach Mark Leonard a little concerned.
“We played well tonight,” Faia said. “We finally got three good periods from our guys, we put in the effort.”
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“We didn’t play our best game, that’s for sure,” Leonard said. “Swampscott kept at us, and good teams find a way to win and we were able to grind it out.”
Peabody pulled ahead with 3:35 left in the first period when Mike Chiappini put a rebound by Swampscott goalie Patrick Gavin. Gavin was exceptional in the net for the Big Blue.
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“Patrick gave us a chance to win, and that’s all you can ask for,” Faia said.
Chiappini’s goal was a crusher; it came shorthanded with Ryan Noftle in the box for interference. The Big Blue failed to capitalize on four power play opportunities.
Connor Purcell put Peabody up 2-0 with 5:41 to play in the second, but 44 seconds later Gino Cresta made it 2-1, and Swampscott was hanging tough with the undefeated Tanners heading into the third period.
Peabody (6-0-1) moved in front by two when Noftle roofed a shot under the crossbar at 7:14 of the third. Rob Houghton and Eric Muise set up the senior defenseman.
With Cresta in the box for high-sticking, Chiappini got his second of the game with 2:11 to play. Gavin got his catching glove on the shot, but not enough to keep it out.
Gavin finished with 33 saves; Peabody goalie Derek Savage stopped 17 Swampscott shots.
The Big Blue fell to 2-6-0 overall, and are still looking for their first league win.
“We played a good game, especially in the second period,” Faia said. “That’s one of the best teams in the league and we proved we can skate with them.”
Matt Videtta and Griffin Hunt assisted on Cresta’s goal, the junior captain has 10 goals on the season.
Senior Rob Houghton had three assists for the Tanners.
“We need to play better,” Leonard said after the game. “We won but there are a few things we need to work on.”
Peabody traveled to Lincoln-Sudbury for a noon game on Monday.
