By Janet Schultz, NYHOL
The Teddy Bears flew when Buffalo’s Kristin Lewicki scored their first goal at 11:16 of the first period. It would be their only goal of a game that saw the Minnesota Whitecaps score four in the third for a 6-1 finish. Taylor Accursi had the assist.
The Minnesota Whitecaps got on the scoreboard just over two minutes into the game on Saturday when Minnesota’s Meghan Lorence got one past Beauts Goalie Tiffany Hus, who was a game-time change after Mariah Fujimagari was sidelined due to an injury. Nina Rodgers and Amanda Boulier had the assists.
The first period ended 2-1 after Minnesota’s Meaghan Pezon put in the second, which was the game-winner.
With no scoring action in the second, it ended 2-1.
Coming into the third, the Beauts were shorthanded but then Minnesota let go and dropped in four more goals in the third. Scoring by Jonna Curtis, Meaghan Pezon, Nina Rodgers, and a last goal by Brooke White-Lancette. Curtis had her 12th of the season and Pezon, the second of the game.
Former Buffalo Beaut Amanda Leville finished the game with 22 saves and her 14th win of the season.
“I am feeling more confident out there,” said Hus. “The whole team had some bad turnovers and then there were the penalities.”
“We just prepare for the next game,” said Hus.
Lewicki recently rejoined the team after playing the majority of the season with the PWHL, made up of many of last year’s NWHL players.
However, after playing with them she decided to return.
“It’s great to be back in Buffalo,” said Lewicki. “They were very welcoming.”
Looking back at her time with the PWHL she found that things were not what she was expecting and she was miss playing and reevaluated her situation.
Lewicki brings her speed and experience to the Buffalo Beauts as they move to the end of the season and looking toward the playoffs.
Coach Pete Perram looks ahead and not behind, but did review today’s game.
“The first period we were strong in the offensive zone but not strong in the defensive zone. Second period worked out better with changes but in the third period, is was plain and simple we gave up a penalty kill goal and that turned it for us.
“We will tighten up. This is a mentally a strong team and we will bounce back. This is not a team that gives up,” said Perram.
“We have the playoffs and every opportunity and that is our focus.
“We go in with same game plan but execute it better.
“This is a team of very skilled hockey players,” said Coach Perram.
When asked about the addition of Lewicki, Coach explained that she is an experienced and solid player and on the ice she is in the right spot and has the wheels and good hands.
“She brings a lot to this team.”
The Beauts face Minnesota on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Northtowns before they head on the road for their final two games at the Metropolitan Riveters February 29 and March 1.
Sunday’s game will be Buffalo’s “Hockey Fights Cancer” Day as well as the Buffalo Beauts Photo Day for fans after the game.
