The Halifax Mooseheads achieved a remarkable comeback victory against the Charlottetown Islanders, scoring four unanswered goals in the third period to secure a 4-2 win in Game 1 of their home-and-home weekend series. This impressive performance marked a significant moment for the Mooseheads, improving their season record to 11-5-1.
The game took a dramatic turn when Charlottetown opened the scoring with two back-to-back goals in the second period. At 4:03, Nathan Leek redirected a shot from teammate Brady Peddle, successfully getting the puck past Halifax's goaltender Nick Cirka. Just two minutes later, Ross Campbell extended the Islanders’ lead with a skillful backhand shot that found its way into the Halifax net, putting the Mooseheads in a challenging position as they entered the final period of play.
However, the Mooseheads showed resilience and determination in the third period. Shawn Carrier sparked the comeback by putting Halifax on the scoreboard. He received a precise pass from Quinn Kennedy and fired a wrist shot that evaded the Islanders' netminder, Donald Hickey. This goal marked the beginning of the Mooseheads' offensive surge.
Building on that momentum, Caylen Blake quickly turned the tides in Halifax's favor. At 3:42, he blasted a shot past Hickey’s glove, tying the game at 2-2. Just a few minutes later, Blake struck again at 7:09, receiving a pass from Daniel Walters and expertly burying the puck to give the Mooseheads a 3-2 lead. This ability to capitalize on their scoring opportunities exemplified Halifax's strategic gameplay during crucial moments.
To further solidify the win, Carrier contributed an empty-net goal late in the game, sealing the comeback at 4-2. This final push underscored the Mooseheads’ determination and teamwork following a slow start to the match. The contribution of Carrier and Blake was pivotal in shifting the game's dynamics, with Blake’s two goals earning him the first star honors for the night.
In addition to Blake's standout performance, Nathan Leek's earlier efforts were recognized as he secured the second star for his contributions to Charlottetown's earlier goals. Eddy Doyle rounded out the star selections, receiving the third star for providing an assist in the game.
Looking ahead, the Halifax Mooseheads are set to face the Charlottetown Islanders once again on Saturday at their home venue, Scotiabank Centre, for Game 2 of the series. Fans can expect another thrilling playoff atmosphere as the game is scheduled for a 3 p.m. puck drop, with live coverage provided on 95.7 NewsRadio. Garreth MacDonald will host the pre-game show starting at 2:30 p.m., preparing fans for what is anticipated to be an exciting rematch.
