By: Ken Oda, minotauroshockey.com
Blaine, MN – The Minotauros are off to a slow start as the offense that clicked all preseason long has cooled in the Schwan Super Rink. For the second day in a row the Tauros managed to only get one puck past the opposing goaltender while firing only 20 shots on goal. The loss drops the Tauros to 0-2-0 to start the season and means a .500 finish in Blaine is the best possible outcome still available.
The Tauros struck first taking their first lead of the season when Nick Monfils scored on the power play at 13:36 of the first period. However Sandis Zolmanis evened the game up less than two minutes later when he was able to beat Atte Tolvanen.
The game would then remain tied with the Tauros and Eagles until late in the third. Monfils was able to draw a late penalty sending the Tauros to the power play with just under four minutes to play with Matt Menta sitting for elbowing. The Eagles were able to kill the penalty, then freshly sprung from the penalty box Menta was able to find the puck and put it past Tolvanen with just 1:32 to play in regulation. With Tolvanen on the bench and only 15 second remaining Chase Matson was able to chase down a blocked shot and hit the empty net to give the Soo a 3-1 victory.
Notes: The Tauros power play which finished dead last in the league last season has converted on two of seven chances so far this season. The Tauro penalty kill is still perfect on the season killing all eight penalties the Tauros have taken. The Tauros are a combined 0-7-1 on Wednesday and Thursday at the Showcase and 2-1-0 on Fridays in Showcase play.
Next Up: For the second year in a row the Tauros will face the Springfield Jr. Blues in a morning game on day three of the Showcase. Last year the Tauros won 2-1. Springfield is off to a 1-1-0 start at the Showcase with a 3-2 win over Brookings on Wednesday followed by a 6-1 loss to Bismarck this afternoon.