Buffalo Hands Connecticut First Loss of 2017
Kelley Steadman scores in first period (@BuffaloBeauts/Twitter)
Northford, CT - The Buffalo Beauts did not let a snowstorm stop them from making it to Connecticut this weekend, and after giving up a 3-0 lead, the Beauts regrouped a stole a 6-5 victory over the Whale on Saturday.
Both teams looked well rested after the Holiday break and Buffalo used some early momentum to get on the board. Kelley Steadman, started the scoring just 2:17 into the first to give the Beauts a 1-0. Connecticut increased their pressure following the goal and outshot Buffalo 15-12 in the period. The Beauts would get another goal in the first when Devon Skeats buried home a Emily Janiga pass to double the Buffalo lead.
In the second period, the Whale continued on the power play after Janiga was given a hooking minor late in the first. That did not stop Harrison Browne from scoring shorthanded just a minute into the second to give Buffalo a commanding 3-0 lead. However the Whale were not going to quit, and got some motivation from a new face on the team. Meghan Huertas, who just signed with the Whale this week, scored her first NWHL goal just 15 seconds later to give Connecticut some life. Dana Trivigno added a second goal for the Whale with a score from longtime teammate, Kaliya Johnson. As the second came to a close, Connecticut made another push and Micaela Long converted on a power play opportunity to even the score at 3-all going into the third.
An exciting third period at Northford Ice Pavilion saw the Beauts and Whale exchange five goals in a span of 12 minutes. Corinne Buie scored on a power play to give Buffalo a 4-3 lead. Meagan Mangene brought it even again with a great feed from Nicole Kosta for the Whale. Emily Janiga and Devon Skeats scored 1:10 apart to give Buffalo a 6-4 lead with four minutes renaming in the third. Kelli Stack added a late score but it was a little too late for a Whale comeback.
Amanda Leveille made 60 saves in the win while the Beauts power play converted on 3 of 4 opportunities on the advantage.
FULL GAME:
