The Twin City Thunder gave the top team in all of the USPHL’s NCDC, the PAL Islanders, a run for their money.
Still, the Islanders defeated the Thunder 2-1 at Norway Savings Bank Arena in Auburn on Saturday night.
“I thought we had a little bit of a lull in the second period and they took the lead on us,” Thunder coach Dan Hodge said. “Both goalies played well. Give them credit — they are the best team in their division.”
Goaltender Nicholas Bevilacqua made 42 saves in the win for the Islanders (37-5-3, 77 points).
Edvin Robertsson put the Thunder (15-25-3, 33 points) up 1-0 midway through the first period. Cole Roenick and Patrick Last had the assists.
“Roenick got a shot from the half boards and the rebound was sitting there, and Edvin found it,” Hodge said. “He was able to go glove side and under the bar.”
The Islanders quickly responded when Heikki Virtanen found the back of the net to tie the game at 1-1.
Carter Hanrahan scored late in the second period when the puck got past Thunder goalie Jeffrey Kreidler (44 saves).
“It was a shot from the point that we had blocked and it went right to their guy,” Hodge said. “…He was able to find the back of the net.”
The Islanders outshot the Thunder 19-7 in the second but Twin City countered with a 19-6 shot advantage in the third.
“We knew the Cyclones were losing to the Rockets (Hockey Club), and we told the guys to get the equalizer,” Hodge said. “We had a couple of power-play opportunities and got a lot of shots on those, but Bevilacqua played really well.”
The Thunder are chasing the Northern Cyclones for the fifth and final playoff spot in the New England Division.
The Thunder and Islanders wrap up the series on Sunday at 4 p.m. at Norway Savings Bank Arena.
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