Saving their best for last, the Dallas Penguins defeated the Texas Brahmas 5-0 in the final game of the Western Regional Silver Stick Tournament, in what was clearly their most complete and all-around effort of the young season.
As the overused, but still accurate sports expression goes, "Defense wins Championships” It was behind this type of defense, and the relentless pursuit of the puck at both ends of the ice, that the Penguins created their best offensive opportunities of the Tournament.
However, in the opening game of the tournament, it was the same type of team effort by the Brahmas that got the tourney off to a rough start for the Penguins, resulting in a hard fought 3-2 game one loss.
The Penguins regrouped themselves in game 2, with 4-1 victory over the 98 AA Ice Jets.
During the way too early Sunday morning Brahmas rematch, the Penguins jumped out 1-0 in the 1st period. The Pens held on to that lead until the Brahmas capitalized on a late 3rd period power play to tie the game and force a shootout. Great goaltending resulted in a Penguin 1-0 shootout differential and a 2-1 win.
During game 3, the Penguins were out shot by the Ice Jets 15-12, and needed nifty shootout goals and solid goaltending to secure a 3-2 win.
It was a collective sigh of relief for the coaching staff, who finally witnessed the team that worked so hard in practice, show up for the Final game, limiting the Brahmas to 12 shots and providing some highlight reel passing, playmaking, and scoring!
