The NYPD Detectives outlasted Rucks2Pucks 9-6 in a high-scoring affair at Northwell Health Ice Center on Saturday, with 15 total goals lighting up the scoresheet. Brendan Rizzo was the story of the game, posting a hat trick with four goals and a five-point performance that included the game-winning power-play goal at 5:29 of the third period.
Rizzo opened the scoring for NYPD just 1:06 into the game off a Franco Mezzoiuso assist, and the two connected again in the third period before Rizzo added his power-play tally and a fifth point on a helper from Rob Carbone and George Bravo. Sal Lanzafame chipped in a pair of goals for the Detectives, while Bravo picked up three assists and Mezzoiuso added two helpers of his own. Lydell Harrigan capped the Detectives’ scoring with a short-handed goal in the final minute of regulation.
Rucks2Pucks countered with their own hat-trick performer in Chris DeAngilis, who found the net three times, including a power-play goal in the third period, and added an assist for a four-point night. Matt Clancy set up four goals without scoring himself, and Joey Alterman and Robbie Cameron each found the back of the net. Matt Berry opened the game’s scoring at 13:29 of the first period off a DeAngilis assist, but Rucks2Pucks couldn’t keep pace with the Detectives’ balanced attack down the stretch.
Danny Schroeder picked up the win in goal for NYPD, allowing six goals, while Sean Dykes took the loss for Rucks2Pucks after allowing eight. Both teams entered the night 1-0 on the season, and with the win the Detectives will look to build on their strong start when the two clubs meet again later in the schedule.
