Reading forward Charlie Gerard led the Royals in points and ranked second on the team in goals in the regular season.
So with Reading knotted in a scoreless Kelly Cup playoff game in the third period, the assistant captain displayed why he was one of the team’s most potent scoring threats.
Gerard had an assist on the Royals’ first goal before scoring the game-winner late in the third period, lifting Reading to a 2-1 win over Maine in Game 1 of the ECHL North Division semifinals on Friday night at Santander Arena.
“He’s been a big part of our team and a big part of our offense all season,” Royals coach James Henry said about Gerard. “Somebody that we rely on to show up every single game and obviously a big performance from him.”
With just under four minutes remaining in the third, Reading defenseman Garrett McFadden fired a shot from near the blue line and Gerard was there for the tip-in goal to give the Royals a 2-1 lead. McFadden and forward Solag Bakich had the assists.
“I got lucky and tipped it in,” Gerard said. “It always feels great.”
PER 3 | REA 2 MAINE 1
Reading re-takes the lead on a goal from forward Charlie Gerard. pic.twitter.com/yMrWQllXab
— Matthew Knaub (@Matt_Knaub) April 22, 2023
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
The goal was the difference in a game that was closely contested from start to finish. While both teams had stretches where they controlled play, goals were few and far between.
“We stay the course and we don’t force plays,” Henry said. “When the game is tight, we keep playing the right way. I thought the guys did a really good job of being disciplined in that sense and (it) led to us finding a way to create some offense late in the game.”
Maine controlled the first period, relying on its physicality. The teams traded penalties in the opening 20 minutes, but both sides finished the game scoreless on the power play.
“They came out hard and physical, and our guys are more than willing to play that style,” Henry said. “You have to expect the playoffs to be a little bit more intense and a little bit faster.”
Reading settled in during the second period and generated sustained offense, outshooting the Mariners 17-5. Maine goaltender Michael DiPietro finished with 33 saves.
The Royals carried that momentum into the third period and opened the scoring 21 seconds in when forward Solag Bakich found the back of the net to make it 1-0. Gerard forced a Mariners’ turnover in the Maine zone and quickly found Bakich, who was streaking toward the net and finished the play.
“I chased my guy down,” Gerard said. “I picked it up and I heard Bakich screaming for it in the slot.”
The Mariners responded with a goal from forward Curtis Hall midway through the third to make it 1-1. Defenseman Fedor Gordeev and forward Reid Stefanson had the assists.
Reading goaltender Pat Nagle finished with 25 saves. Friday marked the veteran’s 81st career ECHL playoff game.
“He’s a real calming presence for us,” Henry said. “He plays a very sound game and obviously he stepped up and was great for us tonight.”
Reading heads into Game 2 on Saturday night with a 1-0 series lead. The two teams will face off at Santander Arena at 7 p.m.
“Expect them to come just as hard,” Henry said about Maine. “They’re a team that always knows how to respond after a loss. Game 2 is extremely important.”
Source: Berkshire mont
Be First to Comment