Inferno Stun Fury in Game 3 With Miraculous Shorthanded Rally, Advance to Division Final

In one of the most dramatic finishes of the postseason, the Pittsburgh Inferno scored two shorthanded goals in a span of 26 seconds late in Game 3 and added another goal just as a penalty expired to shock the Michigan Fury 4-3 and punch their ticket to the Pro East Division Final.

The Inferno, who have been one of the league’s top defensive teams all season, now face their archrival and defending champions, the Suffolk Sting, in a much-anticipated battle for a spot in the PIHA Finals.

Game 1: Joel Eisenhower Dominates

The Inferno set the tone for the series in Game 1, with Joel Eisenhower delivering yet another brilliant performance in net. Eisenhower, the league's leader in shutouts during the regular season, stopped all 22 shots he faced as the Inferno cruised to a 4-0 victory.

Sam Eisenhower led the way offensively, scoring twice in the first period, including the opening goal just five minutes into the game. Tristan Lapinski and Vinny LaSala added tallies as the Inferno capitalized on several Fury defensive miscues.

Michigan struggled to generate consistent offense, and their top scorers were held in check. It was clear heading into Game 2 that the Fury needed to clean up their play and find a way to counter Pittsburgh’s suffocating defense.

Game 2: Chucky Robinson Shuts the Door

With their season on the line, the Fury turned to veteran goaltender Jacob "Chucky" Robinson, and he delivered in a big way. Robinson made 20 saves to outduel Eisenhower and lead Michigan to a 3-0 win, evening the series at one game apiece.

After a scoreless first period, Michigan broke through in the second. Mike Debrabander opened the scoring with a hard shot from the point, followed by goals from Tyler Blaszkowski and Jess Hackett. Hackett’s empty-net goal late in the game sealed the win and forced a decisive Game 3.

This was a critical bounce-back for the Fury, who finally found a way to crack the Inferno’s defense while staying disciplined in their own zone.

Game 3: Shorthanded Heroics Propel Inferno

The series finale was everything fans hoped for: fast-paced, physical, and filled with drama.

The Inferno struck first, with Sam Eisenhower scoring early in the first period to give Pittsburgh a 1-0 lead. The Fury responded with a dominant second period, as Jess Hackett scored on a perfectly executed power play, followed by goals from Kyle Schultz and Mike Debrabander to give Michigan a 3-1 advantage late in the frame.

With just over four minutes left, it seemed like Michigan was in control, especially as they prepared to go on the power play. But Pittsburgh wasn’t done yet.

The Turning Point: Shorthanded Surge

At 4:36, while killing a penalty, Noah Litsko broke free on a breakaway and beat Robinson with a beautiful deke to cut the deficit to 3-2. Just 26 seconds later, Ryan Soboslay picked off a pass in the neutral zone and fired a blistering shot past Robinson to tie the game 3-3.

The Inferno weren’t satisfied with just tying the game. As the penalty expired, Pittsburgh regained possession in the offensive zone, and Sam Eisenhower buried his second goal of the night to put the Inferno ahead 4-3 with just over three minutes to play.

Lockdown Defense Seals the Win

The Fury pushed hard for an equalizer, but Joel Eisenhower and the Inferno defense held firm. Pittsburgh clogged passing lanes and blocked several key shots in the final minutes, ensuring there would be no comeback for Michigan.

As the final buzzer sounded, the Inferno erupted in celebration, knowing they had pulled off one of the most improbable comebacks of the season.

Key Performances

• Sam Eisenhower (Inferno): 2 goals in Game 3, including the game-winner, and 4 goals in the series.
• Joel Eisenhower (Inferno): 64 saves on 68 shots across the series, including a Game 1 shutout.
• Jess Hackett (Fury): 2 goals and 2 assists in the series, leading Michigan’s offense.
• Jacob Robinson (Fury): Stellar 20-save shutout in Game 2 to keep Michigan alive.

What’s Next?

The Inferno now prepare for a showdown with the Suffolk Sting in the Pro East Division Final. This matchup promises to be a war, as these two rivals have a history of hard-fought battles and mutual disdain.

The Sting, who swept their semi-final series, will come into the game rested and ready, while the Inferno ride the momentum of their incredible Game 3 win. The action begins Sunday at 1:00 PM, with a trip to the PIHA Finals on the line.