Last weekend the Huntsmen were back on home ice. After a tough outing at the Showcase the week before, the Huntsmen had the New Jersey 87s coming to Exton in a battle for the top spot in the Mid Atlantic Division. The first matchup took place in October in New Jersey and PA came away with a 3-2 victory in OT.  

Sunday vs 87s

The Huntsmen came out with a good jump on the first couple of shifts but couldn’t find the back of the net. New Jersey wasted no time with the chances they created for themselves. Just four minutes into the game, the 87s were up 2-0. Late in the period, New Jersey increased their lead. Defensive breakdown would allow New Jersey to score two more times and carry a 4-0 lead to the intermission. The bad start by the Huntsmen led to an early exit for goaltender Ty Jones. In the 2nd period, the Huntsmen got on the board thanks to Daniil Diukin. He skated into the offensive zone and went high blocker side for the goal in the opening minute on the 2nd. Unfortunately, the momentum didn't last long for the Huntsmen. The 87s would immediately answer and beat (G) Baradgie and it was a 5-1 game. New Jersey would add another goal a few minutes later and they were rolling with a 6-1 advantage. In the 3rd period, the 87s would add one more goal to notch their seventh of the afternoon. The Huntsmen would end the game on a high note with goals from Danill Diukins (2) and Ben Watson, but it wasn’t enough, and the Huntsmen would lose 7-3. The loss now puts the Huntsmen on a four-game losing streak and 3 points out of first place in the Mid Atlantic Division.

Up Next

Next weekend the Huntsmen will be on home ice taking on the Philadelphia Little Flyers. The Little Flyers are coming off a weekend sweep against the Union Jr. Thunder. They dominated both games winning 6-2 and 8-3.  The Huntsmen are 3-0 against the Little Flyers so far this season with 3-2, 7-0, and 8-2 victories. Philadelphia is 5-12-1 overall and in 3rd place in the division. PA will be looking to snap their 4-game losing streak.

Schedule

Sunday vs Little Flyers            2:15pm

Mid Atlantic Division Standings

87s      13-2-3             29pts

PAH     12-6-2             26pts

PLF       5-12-1              11pts

NJR      2-12-2              6pts

UJT      3-16                 6pts

By: Joe Sindoni

Play by Play Announcer

Staff Writer