01 December 2013

Boys Hockey: Shooting blanks

Gage Overby 30 saves vs. Eagan (photo by Jim Lindquist)
There has been no shortage of scoring opportunities for the Tigers over the first three games of the 2013-14 season.

Farmington (1-2) has put the puck on goal a robust 110 times during that stretch but all of those chances have produced but five goals.

The latest chapter in the book of shots gone awry came Saturday afternoon in a 2-0 non-conference loss at Eagan where coach Keith Revels' team put 27 shots on the Wildcat net.

"We had our chances and we played them tough," Revels said. "We have to find a way to win when giving up two goals or less. The 27 shots is not a bad number. We need to convert a better percentage of our shots."

Eagan scored once in each of the first two periods to account for the game's only scoring. The Wildcats second goal came shorthanded.

Farmington was especially frustrated when playing with a man advantage, finishing 0-6 on the power play. Eagan spent 27 minutes in the penalty box.

"This game was a good preview of South Suburban Conference hockey," Revels said, "fast paced and physical. We didn't score a goal but we didn't look out of place."

Gage Overby worked the nets for the Tigers and finished his second start with 30 saves.

"Gage had a good night," Revels said, "but both of our goalies need more goal support. We can live with allowing seven goals in three games but when you only score five, you end up 1-2."

The Tigers have three games on the docket this week. Tuesday they open their Missota Conference season at Red Wing. Thursday they return home to take on section rival Rochester Century and Saturday they travel to Rochester for a match-up with Rochester Mayo.