The Champion Trash Pandas fought off the New Jersey Jagaloons in an intense best-of-three series, clinching their spot in the Atlantic Division Final. The Pandas took Game 1 in overtime, suffered a setback in Game 2, but rallied in extra time in Game 3 to win the series.
Their reward? A showdown with the Empire State Legends Black, the league’s top-seeded juggernaut, with a trip to the PIHA Finals on the line.
Game 1: Reed’s OT Winner Lifts Jagaloons, 3-2
The Jagaloons opened the series strong, with Brendan Reed scoring the game-winning goal in overtime to secure a 3-2 victory.
Key Moments:
- Joe Auci (9:10, PP) got the Jagaloons on the board first.
- Ryan Scott (00:43, ES) quickly answered for the Pandas.
- Auci (2:45, ES) struck again to put the Jagaloons ahead.
- Scott (5:26, ES, 2nd period) tied the game once more.
- Reed (10:41, OT1, ES) buried the winner, completing the upset in Game 1.
Goaltending Battle:
- Kyle Mortensen (Trash Pandas) stopped 20 of 23 shots in the loss.
- Mike Broccoli (Jagaloons) held firm with 16 saves on 18 shots.
Game 2: Pandas Dominate First Period, Force Game 3 with 6-3 Win
With their season on the line, the Trash Pandas exploded for five first-period goals, setting the tone in a convincing 6-3 win.
Key Moments:
- Kevin Martin (10:57, ES) opened the scoring for the Pandas.
- Todd Martin (4:08, ES) added insurance as part of a four-goal first-period barrage.
- Ryan Scott (00:53, ES) capped off the dominant first period for the Pandas.
- The Jagaloons tried to respond in the second, but the damage was already done.
Goaltending Battle:
- Kyle Mortensen (Trash Pandas) turned aside 14 of 17 shots.
- Mike Broccoli (Jagaloons) had a tough outing, stopping 12 of 18 shots.
Game 3: Pandas Take Series in OT, 4-3
With everything on the line, Steve Bernhardt played the hero in overtime, sending the Trash Pandas to the Atlantic Division Final.
Key Moments:
- Scott (2:58, ES) gave the Pandas an early lead.
- The Jagaloons responded with two quick goals from Carter (7:02, ES) and Reed (6:51, ES).
- Bernhardt (6:02, ES) and Bernhardt (1:25, ES) tied it and then gave the Pandas the lead.
- Lopez (8:37, ES) tied it at 3-3, forcing overtime for the second time in the series.
- Bernhardt (7:19, OT1, ES) delivered the dagger, clinching the series.
Goaltending Battle:
- Kyle Mortensen (Trash Pandas) finished with 16 saves on 19 shots.
- Mike Broccoli (Jagaloons) stopped 13 of 17 shots in a losing effort.
What’s Next?
The Champion Trash Pandas now advance to the Atlantic Division Final against the Empire State Legends Black, the top team in the league.
Puck drop is set for 9:40 AM. Can the Pandas pull off another upset, or will the Legends Black continue their dominant season?