USC Trojans vs. ucla Bruins-Crosstown Cup Game 4 Postgame

Sorry everyone for a lack of a 2nd period analysis, but I was having a lovely chat with GM Mark Wilbur, but the real action didn't happen until the end of the game, when USC and ucla took a 2-2 game into overtime for the second straight night. Nothing happened in the overtime period, so USC went to their first shootout of the year. Back and forth both teams went as both goalies, Freshman Alex Caravaggio of USC and Al Ricciardelli of ucla, made save after save trying to bring their team the victory. Unfortunately for ucla, Sophomore Dave Morris was able to slip one through the 5-hole of Ricciardelli, sealing the victory for USC.

The 2nd period was a back and forth affair, starting with a 5 minute major and game misconduct for Freshman James Huebner 30 seconds into the period. USC did a great job killing off the penalty, and ucla was unable to capitalize on the opportunity. USC struck first when Morris took a bad-angle shot through a very small hole and past Ricciardelli and into the net. ucla struck back quickly when Caravaggio, trying to clear the puck out from behind the net, gave the puck to Michael Carder, whose shot was redirected past a sliding Caravaggio and into the net. USC finished off the period with another huge goal from Junior Assistant Captain Noah Comisar, sliding one past Ricciardelli. The 3rd period remained scoreless until 7 minutes left, when ucla, on another extended power play, snuck one by Caravaggio to even the score. Caravaggio saved shots from Michael Carder, Mark Yost, Ashton Christian, Charlie Linehan, and Nick Panzica, while Ricciardelli stopped shots from Senior Charlie Mach, Sophomore Beau Selisker, before allowing the goal from Morris. Another save on Freshman Tom Duffy allowed ucla another chance, but to no avail.

Overtime was exciting as both teams had huge chances to score, but both goalies standing on their heads. Finally, the overtime period ended, and a shootout was needed to decide the postseason fate of both teams.

My first star of the game is of course, Freshman Alex Caravaggio. Time and time again he has proven to the world that he is the best goalie in the Pac-8, and may be one of the best goalies in the west. Save after save he makes just seems to make him stronger, refusing to get tired out as he continues to stand on his head for the Trojans. The future of USC hockey seems to be in great hands.

My final analysis of the game rests solely on the number of bad penalties taken by USC. They spent way too much time in the box, and made it very difficult to keep up any momentum they would get. That allowed ucla to stick around for the whole game, even after USC was outplaying them in all aspects of the game. Great job by all six defensemen, Freshman Tom Duffy, Senior Captain Mike Gawlik, Senior Assistant Captain Jason Bush, Junior Assistant Captain Dante Caravaggio, Junior Mike Mowrey, and Freshman Ryan Manning. Look for the team to build on their great play heading into next week's huge showdown with Washington, a rematch of last year's Pac-8 Championship game.

See you all next week here in Anaheim!

James