Rangers come up short Sunday against the Storm
Posted Mar 17, 2024 11:24:38 PM.
Last Updated Mar 17, 2024 11:24:43 PM.
The Kitchener Rangers did not have the luck of the Irish on Sunday afternoon in Guelph.
Guelph scored the first two goals of the game getting the lead early in the first period. The Rangers opened the second period responding with three straight goals. But, they couldn’t hold onto the lead. Guelph responded with two of their own in the second leading after two.
Rangers defenseman Simon Motew tied it almost midway through the third period.
Charlie Paquette of the Storm would player spoiler scoring with just 1:32 left in the third period. That would be the game winning and deciding goal for the Storm as they take it 5-4.
570’s Colour Commentator Paul Fixter said post-game that it was the mental mistakes that cost the Rangers a win Sunday afternoon.
“You have to be mentally strong for the entirety of the game regardless of how tired you are,” said Fixter. “There were a couple of times where they had long shifts where now they are in the defensive zone and that’s where the break downs occur so that’s something that will need to be addressed.”
Rangers forward Luca Romano earned second star honours in the loss scoring one goal and one assist.
Fixter said he’s really impressed with how Romano has been playing this season.
“The confidence that he has with the puck is incredible. He makes really good decisions with the puck. He’s quite the creative player,” said Fixter. “He’s got shifty moves and he just seems to be getting better and better as the year goes along.”
Hunter Brzustewicz added one assist to his point total in Sunday’s loss. He is now three points back for most points in a single-season by a defenseman in Rangers history. Jason Gladney set the record in the 93-94 season with 92.
The Rangers will finish fourth in the Western Conference with a ton of movement still expected in the standings with the final games of the regular season being played. Fixter believes the Guelph Storm want to finish in fifth place to get a date with the Rangers in the first round.
“With three games to go, it can be anybody,” said Fixter. “Just come to the games, enjoy the games and in the end, we’ll see who the Rangers are playing. I think Guelph is a team where they really want to finish in the five position. That’s what makes Tuesday’s game really exciting.”
You can catch that game on CityNews 570 Tuesday night at 6:35 p.m. with Mike Farwell and Paul Fixter.
Download Sunday’s episode of ‘Rangers Talk’ right here.
