The Maryland Black Bears lost to the New Jersey Titans 4-3 on Friday night. The game needed every single second to decide a victor. This rivalry has grown as the season has progressed and that was on full display tonight.
The Black Bears displayed strong play in the first period. Black Bears Forward Luke Mountain continued his hot streak with an unassisted goal for a 1-0 lead. Goalie David Tomeo made some impressive saves and batted away all ten of the shots he faced in the first period.
In the second period, Lukas Ljungblom kept the Black Bear momentum going with a strike with an assist from Jude Kurtas. The Titans finally awoke from their giant slumber and responded by scoring three goals unanswered to end the second period.
Jude Kurtas ended the Titans’ scoring streak with an equalizer of his own on a Luke Mountain assist. Strong played between both sides continued throughout the third period. Forward Kyler Jeffers of the Titans broke the knot that gave his team a 4-3 lead. The Black Bears battled to the very end and had many opportunities to answer on their final power play of the game. Jude Kurtas had a great look with seconds left in the game, but could not convert to extend their chances.
The Black Bears will look to split the series against the Titans tomorrow at 7:00 PM at the Middletown Ice World Arena.
