Jason Hills
For MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON — It's never easy being shut out in back-to-back games to start the season, but the MacEwan Griffins can take some positives out of their 3-0 loss to their cross-town rival Alberta Pandas on Saturday night at the Downtown Community Arena.
After mustering just six shots on net in their 4-0 loss in season opener on Friday against the Pandas, the Griffins responded with a much more sound effort.
Abbey Bourdeaud'Hui and Sara Kaziel scored second period goals, while Natalie Kieser hit an empty net for Alberta in the victory.
Griffins goaltender Lindsey Johnson made 30 saves in the loss for MacEwan.
"We definitely played a more consistent game today. There is still a lot of room for growth in areas, but it was a good response after the outcome of (Friday's) game," said Griffins head coach Chris Leeming.
"There are a lot more (positives) from today. It's disappointing to lose, the competitive side in all of us hates that part of sport, but there are a lot of things we can take away and move forward with and continue to improve our standard of where we want to go with things."
Despite being outshot 10-4 in the opening frame, the Griffins had some quality looks on Pandas goaltender Misty Rey, who made 17 saves for the shutout.
Joie Simon had the best scoring chance of the period when she was left alone in the slot, but Rey was able to make a nice shoulder save on the shot that was headed for the top corner.
MacEwan came out with some big jump to start the second period, and Allee Isley almost gave the Griffins a 1-0 lead, as her tip in front of the net grazed the outside of the post. Isley would grab a rebound, but her shot was kicked out with a left pad save from Rey.
"We have to bear down on our shots and crash the net more. They're good at defending and they boxed us out, so we need to keep our feet moving and keep pressuring," said Simon.
"I don't think we had enough shots. We didn't crash the net on her, once you start doing that more, she gets uncomfortable, and we didn't get there for the rebounds."
Alberta got through the early pressure from MacEwan and was finally able to break through as Bourdeaud'Hui jumped on a loose puck and jammed it past Johnson for the 1-0 lead with 8:04 left in the second period.
Griffins rookie Jaida Powell looks for an opportunity under tight checking on Saturday (Rebecca Chelmick photo).
MacEwan got into some penalty trouble against the Pandas, and Alberta finally made good on one of their opportunities as Kaziel's point shot through all kinds of traffic made it 2-0.
Despite giving up the power play goal, the Griffins penalty kill was very solid, limiting the high octane offence of the Pandas to many shots from the perimeter, and MacEwan blocked shots and got into shooting lanes.
"Our PK is one of our strengths, and we have to continue to get in lanes and block shots. Tonight, I thought we did a really good job of that," said Simon.
"We gave up the one, but that was a perfect shot by (Kaziel). There was nothing we could do about it. They have a lot of skill in their lineup.
The biggest positive from the loss was the play of Johnson. The third-year goaltender started to get more starts behind veteran goalie Brianna Sank last year, and Johnson looked very strong in her first start of the season.
Johnson's best save came in the second period when she sprawled across and denied Bourdeaud'Hui from point blank range
"I was happy she didn't raise the puck, because I remember coming across and thinking that's as far as I can stretch," said Johnson with a smile.
"I'm coming into the season more confident. It's about knowing the routine of a college athlete. I put a lot of work in over the summer… by the time you get your first start you've put all these hours in and that's where the confidence comes from.
"There wasn't a save I made in this game that I hadn't made 10 times in practice over the last three years."
With Sank in her final year, it will be vital for MacEwan to have two proven goaltenders they can rely on this season, and Johnson proved she's up for the task.
"Johnny's made a lot of growth over the past two seasons to get where she's at now," said Leeming.
"She's gained a lot of confidence and continues to improve her skill. She's done a lot of work on and off the ice to be able to play at a high level."
MacEwan will look to bounce back next weekend when they host the Regina Cougars at the Downtown Community Arena (Friday 7 p.m. and Saturday 5 p.m., both Canada West TV).
