Written by: Rory McGouran
Photo: Patrick Garriepy Photography

The Northeast Generals secured just one of six possible points over a three-game stretch this past week against the Maine Nordiques, culminating with a 6-2 loss on Saturday, followed by a 4-0 loss just 12 hours later, Sunday morning, the first time the Generals have been shutout this season.

The Generals’ lone point was secured in a 4-3 shootout loss back on Wednesday, November 26, in Maine. Following this, there weren’t many positives, combining for just two goals over the next 120 minutes of play.

Saturday’s game in Canton whisked the wind out of the sails early with three Maine goals in the opening nine minutes of play. A lead to which the Generals were unable to close. Alec Hall briefly reduced the distance to a 3-1 deficit with his team leading 14th goal of the season. However, three more consecutive goals from the Nordiques stole any comeback hopes. Stephen Fabiano scored his second of the year late in the third period with the game well out of reach.

The Generals never led at any point of all three games and also surrendered the first goal of the game in all three outings, a stat that has heavily influenced the Nordiques towards victories with a 13-1-1-0 record when scoring the game’s opening goal.

Sunday’s setback was the first time the Generals failed to score a goal in 26 games this season. Netminder Will Mizenko did his best to keep the game within reach, stopping 30 of 32 shots, with Maine adding the final two goals into the empty net. The Generals’ offence was denied their 25 shot attempts by Matthew Wood, who secured his first career NAHL shutout.

The Generals have been able to tread water with a grouping of injuries to their forward unit, but scoring just 5 goals over their last three games will not cut it in a tightly contested East Division. They hope that some reinforcements will return shortly, namely Logan Poulin and Tyler Kelly, who both appear close, before they embark to Philadelphia for a road series against the Rebels this coming weekend.

The Generals are currently in 5th place in the East Division with a 13-10-2-1 record.