Nelson Leafs unable to secure a win in 5-4 double overtime loss

The Nelson Leafs made an astonishing recovery after trailing 0-2 to the Princeton Posse Friday but were unable to hang on, losing 5-4 in double overtime.

Both teams came out of the gates fighting for position with neither dominating until Princeton’s Brendan Colter notched in top-shelf goal past Leafs goaltender Andrew Walton after about five minutes.

Princeton began to gain momentum after their first goal as the Leafs struggled to maintain control of the puck. The Leafs had several scoring chances from loose pucks down low, but were unable to capitalize on their opportunities.

Nearing the end of the first period, the Leafs defense loosened up for a breakaway shot by Princeton’s Devon Grossler, which connected with the back of the net for Princeton’s second goal a 2-0 lead going into the second period.

Nelson entered the second period with thrusters on full as they attempted to capitalize on the remainder of a power play, but all shots were stopped by Sky Bulller of the Posse without hesitation.

The second period remained a tough battle between both teams struggling for control of the puck, with serious scoring chances on both sides.

Nelson continued to push hard outshooting Princeton, which paid off for Matthew Naka who rocketed a shot past Buller at the three minute mark to put the Leafs back into the game.

Building off the energy gained from Naka’s goal, the Leafs looked to square the game off and after about five minutes of playing a dominant game, Walker Sidoni put one up on the boards to tie it up.

Princeton seemed frustrated by Nelson’s recovery and had a few minutes of sloppy passes and misplaced bodies, just long enough for Colton Malmsten to bury another goal for the Leafs near the ten-minute mark.

After a time-out from Princeton, the Posse regrouped and set their aim for the back of the net.

Jaden Janzen of Princeton slammed the puck past Walton to tie the game again, which was swiftly followed by a second Princeton goal from Alex Demchuck who back-handed the puck to the top-shelf with only four minutes left in the game.

With time running out on the clock, the Leafs fought back until with just 16 seconds left in regulation time, Nik Newman answered the call with the goal to tie the game at 4-4 and send it to overtime.

Looking much like the first period, the Leafs and Posse battled it out vying for control of the puck. At the one minute mark, Eric Schmidt of Princeton took a cross-checking penalty and opened the door for the Leafs to put the game in the bag, but were shut down by the Posse’s penalty kill.

Newman won the faceoff to begin the second overtime period and the Leafs were able to fire a shot off on net, but Buller denied them once more.

Finally, with three minutes left in the second overtime, Keenan Fordy of Princeton shelved one to finish the game.

The Leafs play again at the Nelson Community complex Saturday against Grand Forks.