31 seconds on the clock. Westfield was preparing to go into their fourth round of overtime this season. However, Northern Highlands’s momentum would ruin Westfield’s opportunity to regain the lead, as a sneaky shot went right past Westfield senior goalie Andrew Raber. The Blue Devils would go on to lose the game 3-2, marking Westfield’s third loss in a row this season, making their record 6-3-2.
“Unfortunately, we’ve been here,” said head coach Joseph Bertucci. “Four games in a row we’ve had a lead in the third period, and we’ve given it up at least three or four games.”
Similar to their game against Hunterdon Central on Jan. 5, the Blue Devils had taken an early lead by two goals in the first period. This time, junior Jackson Chicola and sophomore Andrew Lisnock each scored within the first ten minutes of the game.
Shortly after, Northern Highlands began to close the gap towards the end of the first period, scoring their first goal on Raber. The game remained 2-1 for the entirety of the second period and through the majority of the third period.
After a Westfield player was sent to the penalty box for tripping a Northern Highlands player, Northern Highlands sought an opportunity to tie up the game in the third period. On the power play, Northern Highlands was successful, as they scored the tying goal with 3:23 left.
Part of the Blue Devils’ recent problems is their low scoring offense, scoring only eight goals in their past three games. “I think we just need to score more. We’re out shooting every team and we’re just not scoring on our chances,” said Lisnock.
This game has been the third consecutively where Westfield has failed to score more than two goals. Chicola said, “We just have to get that third goal. That’s the difference in this game.”
Additionally, in the beginning of the second period, senior captain Michael Wilson came out of the game with a wrist injury. Senior assistant captain Michael Marshall and sophomore Blake Wotanowski were also absent from the roster this game.
Although the results of the past few games have been disappointing, their opponents have been extremely competitive. Northern Highlands have only conceded 2 losses this season, winning their other 11. Northern Highlands is ranked third in the Big North Conference. Bertucci said, “We’re playing some of the best teams in the state.”
The boys will attempt to break their three-game losing streak against Montclair Kimberley Academy away at 4:15 p.m. on Friday. This game is the Blue Devils’ last chance to get a win before the Union County Tournament starts on Jan. 17.
“We have to be more aggressive, be more hungry,” said Bertucci. “We have to find ways to put teams away.”
