PEABODY — Scoring early in any period can put an opponent on its heels. Scoring early on a power play can serve as a knock out blow.
The Peabody High girls hit Masconomet with both of those haymakers in the second period of Saturday’s Northeastern Hockey League clash in a 5-2 victory at McVann-O’Keefe Rink.
Leading by one after the first period, the Tanners (9-1) doubled the lead just 12 seconds into the second. Moments later, they were on the power play and needed just 10 seconds to add another thanks to an absolute snipe from defenseman Daniella White from the left wing boards. Peabody added two more by the end of the frame to seal its seventh straight win.
“It went from a one goal game to a game we were chasing in the blink of an eye,” said Chieftain coach Ryan Sugar, whose team is now 5-6.
Five skaters scored goals for the Tanners: Alexa Pepper netted the first period goal on a nice move to the net, Ava Buckley had the second period’s initial tally and captain Yasmine Giacalone and junior Vanessa Steinmeyer each slammed home rebounds of shots by Erin Dee and Eleni Spack, respectively.
“We talk a lot about having fast starts and we definitely took that to heart in the second period,” said Peabody coach Michelle Roach, who felt White (two points) had a particularly strong game on the back end in addition to scoring her first of the season.
“That was a great goal. She was very patient … you could tell she was looking for her spot, looking for the lane to open, and when it was there she drilled it.”
Masconomet junior captain Maddie Kenny broke up the Peabody scoring by picking the corner above the glove of Peabody goalie Alyse Mutti (12 saves) midway through the second. Bella Campbell sent her in with a nice pass and then scored the only goal of the third period; the Chieftains gave the Tanners some trouble in that frame by switching up their breakout.
“I thought we played really well in that third period,” said Sugar. “We decided to just crash everything down, put the pressure on and get pucks in deep.”
Goaltender MacKenzie Cronin made 41 saves for the Chieftains, who got strong efforts by defenseman Eliza Shannon, Bella Malloy (assist), Allie LaCava, Tara Thompson and Ella Meehan.
The Tanners face the biggest challengers to their Northeastern Hockey League lead this week with Gloucester on Wednesday and Beverly next Friday. They were happy with they way they adjusted to Masco’s pressure in the third and got an excellent forecheck from the unit of Buckley centering Catie Kampersal and Alexa Pepper.
“I like the way they’re playing together,” said Roach. “There’s a lot of speed there and a lot of awareness, so they get back and help out the D very quickly. Their chemistry seems to be clicking.”
Peabody 5, Masconomet 2
at McVann-O’Keefe Rink, Peabody
Masconomet;0;1;1;2
Peabody;1;4;0;5
Scoring summary
First period: PLNR, Alexa Pepper (Ava Buckley), 4:06.
Second period: PLNR, A. Buckley (Daniella White), :12; PLNR, White (Pepper), ppg, 1:24; M, Maddie Kenny (Bella Campbell), 6:40; PLNR, Yasmine Giacalone (Erin Dee, Abby McInerney), 11:46; PLNR, Vanessa Steinmeyer (Eleni Spack), ppg, 14:43.
Third period: M, Campbell (Bella Malloy), 2:00.
Saves: M, MacKenzie Cronin 41; PLNR, Alyse Mutti 12.
Records: M, 5-6-0; PLNR 9-1-0.