Orlin & Cohen Postgame Report: Riptide defeat FireWolves 13-10

9 points from Jeff Teat and 4 goals from Connor Kearnan helped the New York Riptide to a 13-10 win over the Albany FireWolves at Nassau Coliseum on Saturday night, earning their second straight win and sweeping the season series over their in-state rival.

Regarding the win streak, Teat said “I think we’ve just stuck together throughout the whole season, tried to improve each week, and fortunately enough for us it’s starting to come together.” Coach Dan Ladouceur cited the offense getting scoring from more players as well as the defense being more aggressive and using their athleticism.

Albany opened the scoring less than a minute in with Ethan Walker converting a rebound, but Scott Dominey answered shortly thereafter with a transition goal for the Riptide, and Kearnan and Dan Lomas extended the lead. Mike Byrne got in on the action before Connor Kelly got one back for Albany, and New York took a 4-2 lead to the second quarter.

Teat scored the first goal of the second quarter and Kearnan tacked on a power play goal, on which Teat recorded his 100th point of the season with an assist. before former Riptide player Jake Fox scored for Albany. Teat added two more for New York sandwiched around a Walker tally for Albany, and the Riptide went to the locker room with an 8-4 lead.

Kelly started the third quarter with a FireWolves goal, but New York came back with goals from Tyler Digby, Larson Sundown, and Kearnan, with Digby and Kearnan’s goals both coming on the power play before Kelly stopped the bleeding for Albany, and the two teams went into the final frame with New York leading 11-6.

After over 6 scoreless minutes to start the fourth quarter, Kearnan scored his fourth of the night, and Jack Kelly answered this with a transition goal to give New York their biggest lead of the night. Albany began to come back after this with four straight goals, however, it was not enough and the Riptide walked away with their second straight 13-10 win.

The Riptide return to action next Saturday, March 25, against the Georgia Swarm at Nassau Coliseum for their final home game of the season. 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.