Eastport-South Manor (DV) went into The Rinx – North Rink on Monday night and beat Sachem (DV), 3-0, behind two third-period goals from Evan Downs and a shutout from Lincoln Miller. The win against the defending champions improved Eastport-South Manor to 2-0-0-0, while Sachem fell to 2-1-0-0.
The first period ended scoreless, and Sachem’s penalty kill was a big reason why. Eastport-South Manor drew two first-period penalties and got a five-on-three advantage, but Sachem killed off the full two-man disadvantage. Colin Loret was excellent in the Sachem net throughout, producing a string of highlight-reel stops that kept his team within reach.
Laird De Vera broke the deadlock with 14:51 left in the second period. He took the puck wide and roofed a shot over the glove for a 1-0 lead, with Downs and Cameron Fine assisting, and the crowd responded loudly. De Vera, who entered the night with seven points in one game, was a force at both ends and ran the Eastport-South Manor power play. Sachem’s Harrison Rodin was a physical presence on the forecheck, working to disrupt the visitors’ transition game.
Downs put the game away early in the third period, scoring twice in less than a minute. He made it 2-0 at even strength with 13:48 left, from Fine and De Vera, then added a power-play goal with 13:01 remaining, again set up by Fine. Downs showed a quick release and the moves to create space. He finished with two goals and an assist, and Fine collected three assists.
Sachem pushed late, including on a third-period power play that produced several good looks but no goals. Miller was composed through the traffic in front of him, and the Eastport-South Manor defense stayed tight to protect his shutout. The crowd’s noise peaked at the final horn as the visitors finished off a statement result and drew level with Sachem at two wins apiece.
Eastport-South Manor will look to stay unbeaten, while Sachem will try to regroup after its first loss of the season.
