Sabers Faced Tough Weekend Against Monsters

The San Diego Sabers faced a challenging series at Icetown Carlsbad against the formidable Fresno Monsters, resulting in a tough weekend of hockey action.

Photo by Greg Siller

Game 1: Fresno Monsters 8, San Diego Sabers 4

In the opening period, the Monsters quickly gained the upper hand, but the San Diego Sabers wasted no time in mounting a response. Just 28 seconds later, Weiner found the back of the net with an assist from Frizado and Gill.

As the first period progressed, the Monsters continued their relentless offensive assault, with Wilson and Kariander adding to their lead. Ouellet's goal briefly rekindled hope for the Sabers, but it was the Monsters who had the final say in the period. Burlin-Sjostrom secured his second goal of the game, courtesy of assists from Kariander and Loov.

Moving into the second period, the Monsters further solidified their control of the game. At the 10-minute and 30-second mark, Kabataev extended their advantage with a goal, assisted by Blengino. The Monsters' Blengino then netted a shorthanded goal, with an assist from Compton, and just before the period's close, Perdue added another shorthanded goal, thanks to assists from Loov and Lennex.

The third period saw the San Diego Sabers launch a quick offensive as Frizado scored just 23 seconds into the period, assisted by Heskett and Therrien. However, the Monsters swiftly responded as Burlin-Sjostrom secured his third goal of the game, with an assist from Loov. The Sabers' Therrien managed to score a late power-play goal, aided by Paganini and Gouin, but it was not enough to overturn the lead established by the Monsters.

Photo by Greg Siller 

Game 2: Fresno Monsters 7, San Diego Sabers 3

The San Diego Sabers took an early lead, netting two goals in the first period. However, the Monsters mounted a strong comeback, scoring three goals of their own. The Sabers continued to battle, adding another goal in the second period, but the Monsters' dominance shone through as they tallied three more goals.

As the third period unfolded, a series of penalties ignited an intense atmosphere. The drama commenced when Paganini of the Sabers incurred a major penalty, resulting in his ejection from the game at 14:07. Tensions flared as Kabataev of the Monsters was embroiled in a series of infractions, including roughing, fighting, and a major penalty, ultimately leading to his disqualification from the game at 15:12. This fiery exchange prompted several players, including Wilson, Gouin, Ouellet, and Perry, from both teams to receive major penalties for fighting, culminating in their disqualification from the match at 15:12.

Despite a stellar performance by Sabers goaltender Nicholas Perry, who faced an astounding 66 shots on goal and made an impressive 59 saves, it proved insufficient to thwart the unyielding offensive onslaught launched by the Monsters.

Photo by Greg Siller 

Game 3: Fresno Monsters 17, San Diego Sabers 1

The Sabers faced a challenging day on the ice, primarily due to a depleted roster resulting from penalties and disqualifications incurred during Saturday night's game.

In the final game of the series, the Fresno Monsters delivered a resounding victory, concluding with a lopsided score of 17-1. The Monsters demonstrated relentless offensive prowess, scoring five goals in the opening period and adding five more in the second. Although Frizado managed to net a goal in the first period for the Sabers, they found themselves overwhelmed by the Monsters' offensive might.

The Monsters maintained their dominance well into the third period, further increasing their lead by registering an additional seven goals. It was undoubtedly a difficult defeat for the Sabers, who were pitted against a formidable opponent.

This Friday, November 17, the Sabers are back on home ice at Icetown Carlsbad with a puck drop scheduled for 1 PM, as they take on the Long Beach Shredders. The following day, they embark on a road trip to face the Bakersfield Roughnecks at Valley Children's Ice Center. Don't miss the action – secure your tickets today!

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