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.

Playing their division rivals for the second time this season, the Screaming Squirrels put forth an amazing effort Tuesday, outshooting the Panthers, 30-18. In the previous game against them, the Squirrels only managed 11 shots.

The Squirrels got on the board in the second period when Chris Long forced a turnover deep in the zone, and passed to Ben Sumner who scored with a pinball shot through the goalie’s pads. In the third, Adam Hughes finished off a Don Marks led flurry around the net for the Squirrels’ second goal.

Wade Marks, Jon Magi, Oriana Senatore, Jared Genser, Drew Thiemann, Joe Wu and alternate Chi Pham all missed the game for the Squirrels, who dropped to 4-8-1 on the season.

Incidently, the Squirrels lost the game, 9-2, while skating without a goaltender.

They next play the Cobras on Feb. 13 at 10:30 p.m. in Rockville.

The Screaming Squirrels faced one of the league’s stingiest defenses Tuesday, falling 4-1 to the Panthers in Wheaton’s freezing outdoor rink. The Squirrels only managed 11 shots, their fewest in a game this season, while allowing a modest 25. Though the Squirrels showed signs of improvement, the Panthers took advantage of deep zone turnovers and lucky bounces around the net. Jon Magi put the Squirrels on the board in the first period, tying the game at 1-1 with a 5 on 3 power play goal, assisted by Chris Long and Sergio Balatan. The Squirrels play their final game of 2004 on Monday, 9:15 p.m. at Wells in College Park against the Lords.

Quote of the game:
“Is my shit getting smaller?” – Desi Richelsen, with his hands down his pants.
We think he was talking about his equipment.