Sullivan sharp as Panthers topple Moncton in shootout

In her first start of the season, goaltender Megan Sullivan didn't disappoint as she led the Panthers to a 2-1 shootout win over the Université de Moncton Aigles Bleus Saturday afternoon.

Sullivan turned away 30-of-31 shots and didn't allow a single puck to cross the goal line after the 10:49 mark of the first period.

"The girls did a really good job of clearing the crease in front of me and it made my job a lot easier," Sullivan said.

After trailing for most of the game, the Panthers finally connected early in the third period on a Rachel Colle goal. Following a scoreless overtime, rookie forward Sydnee Baker was the only skater to score in the shootout, sealing the victory and ending the team's two-game losing skid.

"We had a rough weekend last weekend, so to come back today and beat Moncton was really important," Sullivan said.

For Panthers head coach Bruce Donaldson, the win felt especially good considering how hard his team fought.

"We were defending well and not giving them a whole lot of opportunities," he said. "I just said stick to it something will happen and sure enough it did."

The Panthers (3-2) pounced on the Aigles Bleus (2-2-2) from the moment the puck dropped, outshooting their opponent 8-1 midway through the first. First-year forward Maria Clinton was in the middle of the action and had an opportunity on the breakaway, but missed just wide of the net.

On the man advantage, Clinton stickhandled her way past a defender and sniped a shot at Moncton keeper Sabrina Lebrun, but the goaltender stood her ground, denying the scoring chance.

The Aigles Bleus drew first blood on their first power play of the afternoon, despite being outplayed for most of the opening period. At 10:49, Karine Roy jabbed home the rebound for her fourth goal of the season after Cassandra Labrie fired a shot from the blue line.

Midway through the second period, the Panthers had a great opportunity on the 5-on-3 to score the equalizer, but a strong effort from Moncton's penalty kill unit negated the threat, keeping their 1-0 advantage intact.

Just as Moncton's power play ended to begin the third period, Panthers' forward Colle scored her first of the season on a great individual effort to beat Lebrun, tying the game at one apiece.

Sullivan's presence was felt throughout the game, but it was in the third period and in overtime where she truly made her mark. Sullivan batted away 17 shots in those periods and held Moncton off the scoreboard despite contending against two power plays in the extra frame.

In the shootout, Baker was the only one who beat the keeper, giving the Panthers the 2-1 come-from-behind victory.

The Panthers look to make it two in a row as they welcome the Mount Allison Mounties for a Sunday night tilt at MacLauchlan Arena. Puck drops at 6 p.m.