Fast start leads Titans past Knights

Jan 15, 2016

Pittston, Penn. – The Titans improved their record to 21-11-2 after beating the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights 4-1 in the first game of a three-game weekend.

They got off to hot start with three goals in the first period, including one on their first shot on goal at the 3:30 mark.

After a faceoff win by Andrew Durham in his own zone the puck was carried our by Keegan Miller. Bruno Birzitis connected with Durham who was able to backhand the puck past Knights’ goaltender Grant Valentine. It was Durham’s seventh of season.

Birzitis got a second assist when he took advantage off a Knights’ turnover in their own zone. He fed one through a sprawled out defenseman to Victor Ostling. All Ostling had to do was pick his spot and shoot. He connected and scored his eighth of the year.

Jesse Farabee then scored his 12th of the season just over two minutes later, at 10:36 of the first period after Mike Gelatt made a cross-ice pass to open up a shooting lane.

It looked like the game would head to the second intermission with the same score, but Wilkes-Barre/Scranton had other ideas. The Knights got on the board late in the second period after Paul Maust beat Harrison Feeney with a rising snap shot just over the blocker at 18:31.

After the goal Wilkes-Barre Scranton was able to put more pressure on the Titans in the final 1:29 put the Titans held off the charge and took a two-goal lead into the second intermission.

However, Keegan Miller scored his 14th of the season on a laser shot from a tough angle.

Feeney also finished the night with 38 saves while Mike Gelatt also recorded two assists.

With the win and the loss 5-2 loss by Aston to the Johnstown Tomahawks, the Titans are once again back atop the NAHL Eastern Division with 42 points.

The Titans will return to the ice Saturday night for Star Wars night against the Tomahawks. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.