Tigers and Pirates Share the Spoils

Matt Landsburgh stopped 36 of 38 shots as Dundee Tigers drew 2-2 at home to Paisley Pirates on Sunday night to gain a first SNL point of the season.

The visitors set their stall out early as some over-enthusiastic forechecking drew the attention of referee David Graham just 32 seconds in to the game. Tigers advantage didn't last long though and the crowd were entertained by some 4 on 4 hockey before the clock had passed the 1:30 mark. As the tempo of the game settled and the midway point of the period approached the Tigers pounced as Stuart Barnett blasted home with a slap-shot from the point to give the hosts the lead. Some strong defensive play ensured the Tigers went in to the interval ahead with the slenderest of margins.

The Tigers made the early headway in the second period and Dan Topping extended the hosts lead with a laser guided slapshot just 2 minutes in. Tigers PK unit was tested regularly after a procession of players made their way to the box before Paisley Captain, Graham McCamley found the net in the 33rd minute. McCamley was to make his mark on the game in a different way though as with just 20 seconds of the period remaining he was to receive a 5+game penalty for a check to the head, which saw Tigers Lee Tosh neeing hospital treatment.

The Pirates defence held strong in the 3rd period as they proficiently killed over 4 minutes of penalty time to start the session. With the teams back at full strength the vivitors took control and Matt Lansburgh made a series of vital stops before a long range effort from Tom Johnstone squeezed it's way through in the 54th minute to set up a grandstand finish. With less than 4 minutes to go Topping was assessed a 2+2 penalty for accidental high sticks, forcing the Tigers to face the final minutes of the period short handed. The penalty killers did a stellar job and despite some solid pressure from the marauding Pirates the final buzzer sounded with the teams tied at 2 goals apiece.

Tigers now turn their attentions to the 1st leg of the Autumn Cup semi final against the Dundee Comets next Saturday, 3rd October.

Final Score - Tigers 2 - Pirates 2

MOM - Matt Landsburgh