Another fast-paced physical game, another tough loss for the Elmira Sugar Kings.
In a game that ended up being more competitive than the final score would indicate, the Sugar Kings fell 5-2 to the Stratford Cullitons on Sunday in the penultimate home game of their season.
The loss continued a 2-8 skid that puts the cap on an inconsistent 2009-2010 season.
Before Stratford’s Kyle Wilhelm buried an empty netter with 1:05, Elmira had clawed their way back into a game that looked like it was headed for a blowout.
When Stratford extended their lead to 4-0 halfway through the second period — thanks to three power play goals – it looked like Elmira was out of it. The Kings made it interesting though, thanks to a 5-on-3 goal by Josh Wooley late in the second and an even-strength goal by Riley Sonnenburg early in the third that came 18 seconds after the end of a power play.
Ultimately though, Elmira was unable to solve Stratford goaltender Evan Groenestege. Groenestege made 39 saves and stopped several barrages from the relentless Sugar Kings, who were held to just 1-for-8 on the power play.
Penalties were an issue for both teams in this game, as they combined for ten in the first period alone. The Kings appeared to frustrate the Cullitons as the game wore on, as Stratford took four of the six second-period penalties. Special teams were once again the difference though, as Elmira capitalized on just one of their four power play opportunities in the frame and Stratford converted on both of theirs.
The Sugar Kings will need to shore up their special teams and find some consistency if they want to find success in the playoffs.
Tyler Masson, Brad McClure, Myles Melchers and Craig Dalrymple also added goals for Stratford.
The Sugar Kings will try to end their regular season on a winning note when they host Listowel on Feb. 28.