MIDDLETON — Triton boys hockey head coach Ryan Sheehan referred to Saturday’s matchup with Essex Tech as “playing with house money.”
The Vikings have solidified a comfortable position within the top-10 of the Division 3 power rankings and are out of contention to claim a Cape Ann Kinney title.
The message to his team ahead of a duel with a high-octane Hawks offense captured that sentiment, and it’s what powered Triton to a thrilling 3-2 victory on the road at the Essex Sports Center.
“We’re kind of playing with house money at this point,” Sheehan said. “The league is kind of out of hand and in the tournament we’re going to be a top-10 seed I think. So (we just wanted to) go out and play relaxed and keep the puck out of our net.”
Behind a 31-save masterpiece by Triton netminder Gavin Marengi, the Vikings killed a trio of third period penalties to nix the Hawks’ 11-game unbeaten streak and avenge their 8-3 loss earlier this season.
“I think he’s one of the better goaltenders in the area,” Sheehan said. “When he’s seeing it well, he’s tough to beat.”
Triton (10-5-1) trailed twice on Saturday, receiving scoring from Josh Hersey and Connor Rumph before Luke Sullivan’s game-clinching score in the third period secured the win.
“I wouldn’t put anything past this team,” said Marengi. “We can always rebuild and get right back up and make those saves and get those goals. We do a good job of bouncing back after having tough losses.”
Essex Tech (12-2-1) required just 1:50 to open the scoring in Middleton. Brett Granger netted his third goal of the winter on a shot from the slot to break the ice and provide the hosts with a quick 1-0 lead.
Triton had an answer less than a minute later when Hersey buzzed down the right side of the ice before beating Teagan Moreau to pot the equalizer on the Vikings’ first shot on net of the game.
But the rivals settled in after the two-goal salvo, playing an even period of play that yielded a slim shots on goal advantage for the Hawks (8-7).
The Hawks retook the lead in between two unsuccessful Triton power plays as Brady Leonard netted his 20th goal of the season on a tap-in near the right post with 4:51 left in the second.
Moreau’s strong play between the pipes protected Essex Tech’s lead, highlighted by a diving glove save at the tail end of Triton’s second power play.
And it looked like that effort would carry the hosts into the third period nursing a one-goal cushion. But Triton’s Rumph unleashed a laser from the high slot to knot the game at two with 7.4 seconds left.
Sullivan’s third-period tally provided Triton with a lead they’d never relinquish.
“This is our most meaningful win of the season,” said Sheehan. “We committed to defense and stopped a high-powered offensive team today, and I’m proud of all my guys.”