A disappointing weekend for the New Jersey Titans was punctuated by a 3-0 defeat at the hands of the Maryland Black Bears on Saturday night. Despite putting 28 shots on goal, the Titans never found a chance to break through.
A scoreless first period saw New Jersey squander multiple power play opportunities, including a double minor power play that generated only three shots on goal. The Titans thought they hit the back of the net halfway through the period, but the potential first goal of the game was called off after the referees conferred with the goal judge, preventing Jack Hillier from scoring his second of the season.
Maryland would finally break the ice in the second period, scoring goals at the 2:56 and 7:29 mark of the period. Titans goaltender Dylan Krick was tested often in the middle frame, as Maryland outshot New Jersey by a 17 to 7 margin. In the third, the Titans found their legs, but could not solve Black Bears goalie Colin Ronan despite outshooting Maryland 11 to 6 in the period. For Ronan, he has now recorded shutouts in three straight games.
With the loss, the Titans fall to 5-7-0 on the season, and are tied with New Hampshire for the 6th and final playoff position in the East Division. Maryland continues their torrid pace; with a record of 9-2-1, they sit atop the entire NAHL standings. The Titans will need to regroup on the road, as they will head west for a two game set against the Johnstown Tomahawks next weekend. Faceoff is scheduled for 7:30PM on Friday, October 13th, and 7:00PM on Saturday, October 14th.
The New Jersey Titans, proud members of the North American Hockey League, are entering their ninth season at the Middletown Sports Complex in Middletown, NJ. The 2022 Robertson Cup National Champions, the Titans have made the playoffs in every season since their founding in 2015. Single game tickets are now on sale for the 2023-24 season home opener versus Rochester on September 29th. Season tickets are on sale here, and provide a discounted admission to attend every game at the Middletown Sports Complex. Follow the New Jersey Titans on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok today!