Clutch Comeback Sends American With Momentum Into Finals [Reviewed]

[Devise 4,475]

The scene after a thrilling Game 7 comeback win in New York. 

 

 

 

Where were you? That is the question that will likely be asked among many VHL and New York American fans as we head into Game 2 of the Continental Cup finals later tonight. The hockey world is still buzzing about a stunning comeback, to prevent that most would of called a Wrangler upset in Game 7 of the North American Conference finals. It was ultimately a tougher series than the Americans, or most outside pundits would of thought. The Wranglers stormed the gates to a 2-0 series lead with back to back wins inside of Madison Square Garden. New York was able to respond, likewise winning back to back in Calgary. However when the Wranglers put pressure on New York with a big Game 5 win, it was obvious that the home ice advantage wasn't so much of an advantage. New York, like the elite team they are responded with a 3-0 shutout in game six, which set us up for what may be one of the most memorable Game 7 finishes in VHL history.

 

The Wranglers came into the game confident. Sure they had just been shutout and were the clear underdogs in this series. But they had bested the leagues top team 3 times on home ice. They had held some of the Americans most prominent scorers, and one of the most prolific point producers in VHL history off the score sheet for much of this series. Game 7 wasn't going to be a gimme, and the Wranglers knew that. All they had to do was stick to the game plan. Get an early goal, and clamp down the defensive pressure. A tactic that worked very well for them during most of the series. Five minutes and 48 seconds into the first, the Wranglers were able to strike, and in the process silence a very loud crowd on a Tebowgow goal. After a scoreless, goaltending battle in the second, the third period opened. The Americans crowd and the team knew they had to put on the pressure, but it was the Wranglers who struck first again, over 12 minutes into the period. Rathod Jr potted his impressive 7th goal of the playoffs. It was at this point the crowd began to get restless, nervous even. Remember this is a fan base that has it's ups and downs of dominant teams. While the last era saw a team win Two Continental Cups after a very short rebuild, the era before that was one of constant playoff failures until they finally cracked open in Season 32. These fans had seen regular season sensations in this city tumble in the playoffs. With 8 minutes left in their season, two goals down, hope was beginning to go out of the building. Smartly, New York Coach Christopher Miller decided to call his timeout following the second Wranglers goal. He needed his team to settle down, realize what they are capable of and execute. The Americans controlled much of the play following the timeout, and finally were able to strike.

 

Thomas O'Malley celebrates as he finally gets the Americans on the board.

 

At 16:01 of the third period, it was none other than Thomas O'Malley who brought life back into the building. His goal, and celebration gave the crowd and the Americans a new sense of urgency. The goal set the tone for what was to come, as the Americans put on the pressure yet again. Not to be outdone or outwitted, not to let their regular season be just a flash. This team knew it needed a goal to tie it, and only 1:49 seconds later....

 

Humbert dishes a pass to Edwin Reencarnacion, who blasts it into the net to tie the game.

 

Reencarnacion was one of the more noted performers for the Americans in the second round series. While some of the top names were being shut down, the second line of him and Ruutu had been getting the offense going to keep the Americans kicking and clawing. So it was only fitting that his goal, his sixth of the playoffs in only seven games tied it. As the building went crazy it appeared as if we were destined for overtime. The Wranglers coach Jason Glasser chose not to call a time out after the game tying goal, instead hoping to talk his team off the ledge and not allow this comeback to push them to the brink of elimination. However that intermission would never come. The Americans capped out a rally comeback, with the dictionary definition of a clutch goal. 

 

Ruutu cores with six second left in the game to win the series!

 

Already known around the team as Captain Clutch, Jorma Ruutu fresh of setting the league record for game winning goals in a season had more magic in store for the American faithful. With time running down, the Americans continued to mount the pressure. Recognizing the energy and push of his second line, Coach Miller began utilizing Reencarnacion and Ruutu even more. After Biggu Kyanon dumped the puck in, it was Reencarnacion who forechecked hard, found Ruutu going to the front of the net and Ruutu potted the game winner with only six seconds left in regulation. Calgary goalie Bernie Gow was deflated, as was the entire Wranglers roster. They had played a near perfect underdog series. Winning on the road, stealing momentum, and hanging on any way they could against an Americans team that had way more firepower. They even played a near perfect game seven. Limiting quality chances, and keeping the high octane Americans offense off the score sheet. All of that changed in the span of three minutes and fifty three seconds. While there are some who hated the end result, hated the fact that the Americans went on to win. You can't deny the excitement and heroics. The Wranglers and Americans played a highly competitive very entertaining series capped off with a highlight reel moment by a player who just made his mark in New York American history. If New York goes on to win the Continental Cup, Ruutu's leadership and late clutch play could be remembered by American and VHL fans for ages. 

 

[Victor 10,940]

Just the one American?

 

And hmm, it seems there was a jersey switch between the 2nd and 3rd goals. That must have confused the Wranglers. Should be grounds for a resim... err, rematch.

[Victor 10,940]

In all seriousness, that was a pretty iconic Game 7. If I ever do anything to do with Game 7s, that's in my top 3 all-time off the top of my head.

[eaglesfan036 4,603]

4 minutes ago, Victor said:

In all seriousness, that was a pretty iconic Game 7. If I ever do anything to do with Game 7s, that's in my top 3 all-time off the top of my head.

Its not in my top 3 =(

[hedgehog337 3,483]

4 minutes ago, Victor said:

In all seriousness, that was a pretty iconic Game 7. If I ever do anything to do with Game 7s, that's in my top 3 all-time off the top of my head.

 

And it's more tough to losing that iconic match. At least I have 2 seasons left to snatch a cup.

[Victor 10,940]

3 minutes ago, eaglesfan036 said:

Its not in my top 3 =(

Is this one?

 

Damn it, what is it with you and late GWGs against.

[FacePuncher 1,343]

Review:

two long, very interesting articles from you. You've sure got a knack for storytelling, I don't think I could spin such a tale from those STHS game summaries. The gifs are legit as well. Good luck in the rest of the finals

 

1051 words 

Edited February 29, 2016 by ADwyer87