Orlin & Cohen Post-Game Report: Riptide fall 13-12 to Thunderbirds

The New York Riptide dropped a close, hard fought battle 13-12 to the Halifax Thunderbirds on Sunday afternoon at the Scotiabank Centre.

The game started as a defensive struggle with both defenses limiting opportunities in the first quarter, especially at even strength. The teams opened the game with a pair of power play goals, first with Jeff Teat scoring for the Riptide, and then Cody Jamieson for Halifax, and then Dan Lomas restored the lead for New York late in the first quarter with a high bouncer from distance, and then Kevin Brownell added a transition goal off a stretch pass from Steve Orleman with just 13.7 seconds left in the first, giving the Riptide the 3-1 lead that they ended the quarter with.

Clarke Petterson started things in the second, but Jeff Teat was fouled off the ensuing faceoff, resulting in a penalty shot which he converted, and then he finished his hat trick on the next possession. However, Halifax scored the next 5 goals after this to take their first lead of the day before Matt Marinier scored an empty netter at the end of the half to make sure New York only trailed by one goal at halftime.

The Thunderbirds came out hot to start the second half with goals from Jamieson and Chris Boushy before Teat picked a corner to cut it to 9-7. This was just a temporary reprieve however, as Randy Staats would respond for Halifax, and New York made a goalie change, with Kevin Orleman replacing his brother for his Riptide debut. Teat scored the next 2 goals to make it a one goal game, which was how the teams entered the fourth quarter.

Reilly O’Connor tied the game with his first of the afternoon just 37 seconds into the fourth, but unfortunately for New York, Kevin Orleman was forced out of the game with an injury, forcing Steve back into the game. Staats retook the lead for the Thunderbirds, but Larson Sundown tied the game with a power play goal from close range. Halifax got two goals in quick succession, but after a key save from Orleman, Reilly O’Connor was able to pull one back, however, New York was unable to find a tying goal, and they would fall to 2-7 on the year.

The Riptide return to action on Saturday, February 25, when they take on the Rochester Knighthawks at Blue Cross Arena in Rochester, NY. The game will be available to watch on ESPN+, and listen to on WRHU 88.7 FM, WRHU.org and the WRHU iPhone App. Live stats and periodic in-game updates will be available via Twitter @ NewYorkRiptide.