Kyler Head scored two goals as the New Jersey Titans defeated the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights 2-0 at Revolution Ice Centre on Tuesday afternoon.
It was the first time the Titans beat the Knights on the road, and the victory snapped a three-game losing streak. Brandon Perrone made 26 saves to post his first shutout of the season.
“Brandon battled and competed all day and gave our team a chance to win the game. He made some incredible saves and did a good job controlling his crease,” said Titans head coach Craig Doremus. “BP has been working long and hard at his game and today he carried our team on his back. We really think he will be a huge factor for our team towards the stretch run.”
One of Perrone’s biggest saves came midway through the first period. Jeffrey Bertrand received a cut pass and made a move to the forehand on a mini breakaway. Perrone went into the splits and made a terrific save with the right pad.
Knights goaltender Zack Stejskal also stood on his head, and he caught a break when Danny Dimon ripped a shot off the right post on a shorthanded two-on-one.
The Titans finally broke through with 16 seconds remaining in the second period. Danny Dimon took a shot from the point, and the puck sat in the crease where Head buried his fourth goal of the season.
Head scored again 1:32 into the third period, as he skated down the right side of the Knights’ zone and ripped a shot high-glove side past Zack Stejskal.
Doremus had equal praise for Head, who now has four points in his last five games.
“His first goal was simple; he went to a dirty and hard area of the ice, and was able to battle and compete to find the back of the net. On his second goal, he showed good poise and touch with his shot and was able to beat a very good goaltender,” he said.
With under two minutes remaining and Stejskal pulled, Adrian Danchenko curled to the high slot and flung a wrist shot on goal. Perrone went into the splits to make a glove save and then robbed Bertrand with a sprawling save at the goalmouth, capping off his impressive 26-save performance.
The Titans will close out the calendar year with two home games against the Northeast Generals. Friday night’s contest will start at 7:45 p.m. as part of the Titans’ annual Teddy Bear Toss. Fans are encouraged to bring a teddy bear to the game and throw it on the ice after the first Titans goal. All bears will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House.