BLAINE, MN– For the second time in three seasons, the Maryland Black Bears reached the Robertson Cup Final. This year, their opponent were the Minnesota Wilderness. In a big pattern for these playoffs, the Black Bears had to claw back and get their first Robertson Cup in overtime.
In a very big feeling out period for these teams, as both were trying to get some momentum going. While Maryland got off to a quick start– including a power play– Minnesota was able to shift the momentum and start creating chances with their forecheck. Ryan Denes, however, was equal to the task, being able to see through screens and limiting rebounds to keep the game scoreless after 20 minutes of play.
The second started off great for Maryland, as Tanner Duncan notched his sixth of the playoffs with a great centering feed from Harrison Smith to give Maryland the lead 2:19 into the period. However, Minnesota got a good bounce, as Robinson Djian banked it off of Denes to tie the score 42 seconds later. Only 1:22 later, Minnesota would take the lead with Avery Anderson coming down the slot unchecked to put it home to make it 2-1. The Black Bears couldn’t seem to get much going for themselves, as Minnesota was getting their bodies into the shooting and passing lanes, clogging up the neutral zone to keep it a 2-1 score after 40 minutes of play.
Looking at another third period deficit, the Black Bears started to move more north-south and drove towards the Minnesota net. It paid off with Smith tapping home a pass from Duncan to even the game at two with 12:06 remaining. Minnesota continued their press, but the Black Bears kept their attacks to the outside. Denes came up big in many chances down the stretch and kept the game tied after 60 minutes to send it into overtime.
Being in this situation, the Black Bears knew the plan. In attacking the net, the Black Bears created chances early and thanks to a Josh Frenette shot after an outlet pass by Vincent Glos, Brady Anes was able to redirect the Frenette shot into the net to secure the victory and their first Robertson Cup for Maryland. Ryan Denes made 38 saves in the victory.
Harrison Smith’s two points helped him break the NAHL single-playoff points record with 24 (5g, 19a), surpassing Pat Maroon of the 2006-07 St. Louis Bandits. Smith was also named Playoff MVP. Ryan Denes was the goaltender of the Robertson Cup, as Will Esterbrooks took home one of the defensemen of the Cup and Ryan Franks named one of the forwards of the Cup playoffs.
Clutch And Crab Hockey 