KINGSTON, Ont. (February 7th, 2020) – The Queen's Gaels (9-9-3-1) shutout the Western Mustangs (8-9-2-2) 1-0 Friday night jumping ahead of Western into an OUA playoff spot.
GAME FLOW
With the Gaels needing every point they could get with just three more games left in the regular season, earning a regulation victory was crucial for both teams coming into tonight's matchup.
The opening period saw the Gaels keeping the puck in Western's end well tallying up several shots on Western goalie Tareya Webster.
Quinn Johnston would be passed the puck directly in front of Webster but would be unable to get it passed the line.
Tied 0-0 midway through the first, the Gaels would see the game's first power play. Paired with a second Mustangs penalty, Queen's had a 5 on 3 for just under a minute with a huge chance to take an early lead.
Moments before the buzzer sounded signaling the end of the first period, the Gaels earned a head contact penalty giving Western an extra attacker to open the second.
With a 5 on 4 advantage, the Mustangs had an early advantage. However it didn't last long as Western would earn a penalty themselves making it 4 on 4 for just over a minute into the period.
Similar to the first, the second period would end scoreless and the Gaels would head into the final period with another power play opportunity.
Just as the game looked to be heading into overtime,
Scout Watkins Southward made her way down the ice with 1:18 left and shot it up over the Mustangs blocker for the eventual game winner.
With tonight's win, the Gaels still have a chance to secure a playoff spot and can secure a place with a win tomorrow night.
MUST SEE
BY THE NUMBERS
1 -
Scout Watkins Southward scored her third of the year and her most important. It would be the lone goal of the game.
26 - Arsenault was crucial in tonight's win stopping all shots from Western.
12 - Western ended the night with ten more penalty minutes than Queen's.
UP NEXT
The Gaels look to secure their spot in the 2019 OUA playoffs as they play their second game in as many nights Saturday night. They take on Windsor at 7:30 pm in Kingston.
