The Jamestown Ironmen cruised past the Janesville Jets, 5-2, on Saturday in North American Hockey League action at the Jamestown Savings Bank Arena.
After the Ironmen beat the Jets (7-10-3) in overtime following a brutally tough game on Friday night, the hometown team controlled Saturday's contest right from the opening faceoff. Jamestown (15-3-2) dominated the first two periods, outshooting Janesville, 27-9.
The Ironmen jumped out to a 2-0 lead during the first period with goals coming from Luc Gerdes and Victor Johansson. Jamestown piled up three goals in the second period while limiting the Jets to only three shots at the other end. Tyler Dunagan led Jamestown's second-period surge with a pair of goals while Ross Pavek netted one.
Article Photos
Ryan Urso of the Jamestown Ironmen looks to pass during a North American Hockey League game against Janesville on Saturday. See additional photos at cu.post-journal.com.
P-J?photo by Scott Reagle
Sitting on such a big lead, the Ironmen let up a tad, allowing Janesville to tack on a pair of goals in the third period, but Ironmen head coach Dan Daikawa never felt that their lead was threatened.
"We started strong, were consistent through the second and played our game tonight," Daikawa said. "It's natural to sit back a bit when you're up by five goals late in a game, but we never lost control of this one."
Although Jamestown squeaked out the win on Friday night, it was apparent that the Ironmen were flustered by Janesville's physical play and thrown off their game plan. It was a different story during Saturday's game, as the Ironmen executed very well.
"We had a conversation after Friday's game and decided that we can't let any opportunities pass by us. There are plenty of scouts in the stands, and we need to show them what our team is capable of every chance we get." Daikawa said.
Daikawa's words must have struck a chord with his players as Jamestown completed their fifth weekend sweep of the season while extending their home win streak to nine in a row. The Ironmen's defense paved the way for goaltender Reid Mimmack, as he tallied 19 saves, improving his record to 12-2 on the season. Assists were credited to Michael Mazzotta, Pavek, Gerdes (2) and Evan Ritt.
The NAHL North Division-leading Jamestown Ironmen will hit the road next weekend for a pair of games against Port Huron (11-9-1). The Ironmen will return home Thanksgiving weekend to take on the Johnstown Tomahawks (8-6-6). Games are set for Nov. 23 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 24 at 5 p.m. at the Jamestown Savings Bank Arena.