The Blue Devils went down early in the first period, an unusual and rare occurrence for the team. Although they have proven time and time again their ability to bounce back and recover from setbacks, the early two goal lead for Livingston proved too tall a feat to overcome as Livingston took the McInnis Cup Final 3-2.
Livingston has been a fierce competitor for Westfield all season long. Prior to this appearance, the Blue Devils faced the Lancers twice this season, defeating them in both games. However, Livingston’s fierce determination and dominance on the final stage gave them the win.
The Lancers capitalized early scoring in the few minutes of the game. Several minutes later, Livingston followed up netting one more to bring the Blue Devils to an early deficit. Despite this temporary setback, senior captain Andrew Lisnock was able to bounce back with a goal ending the first period down by just one.
The back line battled until the end, limiting the Lancers’ offensive opportunities. Senior defensemen Luke Fitzgerald said, “Even though we outplayed them most of the game, they just used the early lead to win.”
A few minutes into the second period, junior Chris Smok tied up the game giving the Blue Devils a sense of hope and momentum. The answer from Lisnock and Smok kept the game within reach, but a turnover and Livingston breakaway would put the Lancers up 3-2 with just 4 minutes left in the second period.
Lisnock expressed how the Blue Devils came out flat, the main contributor to the initial two goal gap. He said, “We need to be more aggressive and play with a chip on our shoulders and that will make a difference. We also can’t be content, especially because now it’s do or die and one bad game or bad mistake can make or break our season.”
Head coach Joe Bertucci added, “In an elimination game, anything can happen. We had two bad bounces that didn’t go our way and that was the difference. They played with a little more urgency than we did and we can learn from that.”
The team will face Cranford in the first round of the state tournament on Monday at 4:45 p.m.
Bertucci said, “We are back to work today at practice looking to strengthen our game and prepare for next week. We are looking forward to the challenge.”
