The Bellmore-Merrick Bulldogs stood 6-7-1 when they came into Tuesday's game against the Massapequa Chiefs. Following a loss to Wantagh on Monday, every game is crucial to the team and their goal of reaching the playoffs.
"Last year we made the playoffs, but were eliminated in the first round. We want to get past that," said Bellmore-Merrick Coach Christopher Patten.
The trip to the playoffs is still in reach despite the 7-3 loss against the Chiefs at Bethpage Community Park Rink.
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"The results were better than the last time we faced off against the Chiefs," said Patten.
The last time the teams squared off, the margin of loss was much greater and a lot less even on both sides of the ice.
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"Players need to talk to each other, it's not an individual sport, it takes all six players on the ice to win the game," said Patten.
Junior and second year winger James Bobb made every chance he had count for the Bulldogs scoring twice.
"We're starting to play better. We lost a lot of our veteran players last year and we're really coming along," said Bobb.
The Bulldogs looked evenly matched despite the difference in the score. They seemed to be gaining some momentum when Bobb scored his first goal with just over three minutes remaining in the second period, making the score 4-2.
"He's a responsible player and a real leader on this team," said Patten of Bobb.
With what seemed to be a plot written for Sports Center the scene was set after a penalty by the Chiefs, which sent the Bulldogs on a five-on-four man advantage for two minutes. After a brief power play attack the momentum came to a crashing halt, the chiefs notched their first of two short-handed tallies of the night.
"Its just laziness on the power play, the key is think offense but have a strong back check," said Patten.
That hit the nail on the head as the Bulldogs goalie Michael Barry was left out to dry on multiple occasions.
In other team news, Bulldogs Captain Mike Mascaro scored the game-winning goal in the Lighthouse Tournament last week, leading Nassau County to victory over Suffolk at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. By scoring the game-winning goal Mike was also selected to drop the ceremonial puck at the Islanders game later that night.
The Bulldogs now sit at 6-8-1 in the standing, fourth overall in the league. Follow the Bulldogs next week as they take on Cold Spring Harbor at New Bridge Arena Ice Rink on Monday, Jan. 21 at 9:25 p.m.
