By Josh Perry, Managing Editor
SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Franklin Panthers spent much of the game on the penalty kill but nearly came back to earn a point before falling 6-5 to Cranston West in the Smithfield Holiday Tournament on Sunday night.
Goals from Jake Sargeant and Dennis Pisani brought the Panthers back from an early 2-0 hole and sent the game into the second period all tied up. In what was to be a precursor for how the final two periods would be played, the teams finished the first period skating 4-on-4.
Senior center Cam Curley scored a shorthanded goal, the first of two goals on the night for the star sniper, on a breakaway to give Franklin its first lead of the game at 3-2 in the second period. The remainder of the period would be played with at least one player in the penalty box.
Cranston West scored three unanswered goals in the second period and had a 5-3 lead heading into the final 15 minutes. The Rhode Island team tacked with the Franklin defense reeling early in the third period. The game seemed over, but the Panthers would not go quietly.
Junior goaltender Devon Maloof was not having the best of games but he made a series of great saves to keep the team within three goals as Cranston West swarmed the Panthers net.
See more photos from this game in the photo gallery.
With five minutes remaining, the Panthers got the break to turn the momentum their way.
Senior captain Mike Patjane blocked a shot near his own blue line and raced onto the loose puck to create a breakaway. Patjane wristed home a goal to make it 6-4 and give Franklin life. Less than 90 seconds later Curley struck again while the teams were skating 4-on-4 to bring Franklin within a goal of an unlikely tie.
However, despite finishing the game on the power play, Franklin’s comeback bid was thwarted by stout defending from the home team.
The Panthers will next take the ice on Wednesday night against Mansfield at the Foxboro Sports Center.
See more photos from this game in the photo gallery.