Miners run out of gas; lose 3-1 to Isotopes

CANADIAN PRESS (Sudbury, ON)

Third periods are quickly becoming a problem for the Sudbury Miners.  In what is starting to become a recurring theme, the Miners would again collapse in the final period and lose.

This time, it was Isotopes forward, Michael Grabner, who would break a 1-1 tie early in the third and give the visiting Springfield Isotopes a 3-1 win at the Vale Centre on Friday night.

To be honest, the score was very flattering to the Miners, as Isotopes dominated the game, outshooting the Miners, 37-16.  Goaltender Jake Allen made numerous difficult saves, to keep the game close as the first place Isotopes just seemed to come in waves at the Miners goal.

The Miners would open the scoring in the first, as Aaron Ekblad, with his second goal of the season, beat Isotopes goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky to give the Miners the lead.  Radim Vrbata and Vincent Trocheck would draw the assists.

Of concern on the play was that Bobrovsky looked awkward in his save attempt and appeared to injure his leg.  He appeared to shake it off and remained in the net but would ultimately have to be replaced by Roberto Luongo late in the third.

The Isotopes would dominate the remainder of the game, especially the third period.  The Isotopes peppered the Miners goal, scoring three goals and securing the win.  Grabner, along with Artem Anisimov and Cam Fowler would round out the scoring for the Isotopes.

Miners Coach Derek Sutton continues to try and find answers for the struggling offence that was only able to generate 16 shots at the Isotopes goal.

“We can definitely be better,” Miners coach Derek Sutton said. “We need more goals but guys are gripping the sticks a little tight.  We just need to keep it a little more simple, get pucks to the net and create chances that way instead of trying to find seam plays and things like that. We’re still trying to figure that out but I think the main point for us is to keep it a little more simple.”


MINERS NUGGETS

- As Sutton eluded to, getting more offence, whether it be during the season or off-season, will be a priority for the Miners.  They currently sit last in the CCHL in all offensive categories.

- Defenceman Darnell Nurse has started light skating on his own and continues to rehab from his injury suffered early in the season.  He is still a couple weeks away from game action.