By Patrick Frenette
Wyatt Stefan and Noah Ziskie combine for six points, however it proved to be not enough, as the Rebels held their own as they take the weekend series after a 5-4 win in overtime.
In the first frame, Philadelphia struck early on to give themselves the lead, as a goal from defenseman, Ryan Vaites, would make it 1-0 game. The Hat Tricks would get a power play, 4:58 into the period, which would unfortunately be killed off by the Rebels. Late in the first period, Danbury defenseman, Noah Ziskie, set up a pass for forward, Wyatt Stefan, as Stefan redirected into the net to put Danbury on the board for a tied game. The Hat Tricks would have more good opportunities late in the first, but would go into the second, tied at one.
In the second frame, deja vu was felt as the Rebels would take back the lead, 2:22 into the period, as forward, Otto Polakovs, put Philadelphia up 2-1. The Hat Tricks would respond 8:37 later, as forward, Brock Behrend, tied the game at 2. Danbury would continue to get good looks on net, which would pay off 5:39 later, as Wyatt Stefan notched his second goal the evening to give the Hat Tricks their first lead heading into the third period.
In the final frame, Philadelphia flipped the score as they scored twice within a thirty second frame. The goals coming from Rebels forwards, Charles Panchisin and Jared Coccimiglio. The Hat Tricks were able to capitalize off of their final power play with forward, Grant Dietz, tying the game at 4. For the second consecutive night, the Hat Trick and Rebels would head into overtime.
Overtime looked to be a strong start for the Hat Tricks with a lot of positive momentum, a controversial interference call against Grant Dietz setup a power play for the Rebels. Which would lead to defenseman, Ryan Vaites, wrapping up the weekend for the Rebels.
The Hat Tricks will travel to Philadelphia on Tuesday for another chance at victory against the Rebels. Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m. on NAHLTV.