Written by: Rory McGouran
Photo: Patrick Garriepy

Figuratively playing with one hand tied behind their back, the Generals were unable to overcome the NAHL’s top-ranked team in a 4-0 shutout loss to the Maryland Black Bears on Friday night.

Penalty troubles, but more so, frustrations in response to the penalties, led to the downfall. The Generals were shorthanded a season-high 9 times, resulting in four separate 5-on-3 man-advantages, during which Taner Duncan, William Esterbrooks, and Ryan Franks scored three of their four goals. The lone even-strength goal was picked up by Kristophers Krummins in the first period. Krummins’ and Esterbrooks’ goals were both their first as Black Bears since being recently acquired, leading up to the trade deadline.

The Generals had only two power plays on the night but failed to find the back of the net. The difference in power-play opportunities (7) was also the largest of the season for the Generals.

Ryan Denes was credited with his league-leading 6th shutout of the season, stopping all 17 shots faced.

The Gens were heavily outshot at the other end of the ice, with Will Mizenko stopping 37 of 41 on the night.

The final game of the season series will take place tonight at 7:00 pm. The Black Bears have won four of the previous five games. However, the largest margin of victory in the series belongs to the Generals and their 7-2 victory in the fourth meeting.