NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. – The South Carolina Stingrays demonstrated resilience and goaltending prowess, securing a crucial 2-1 victory over the Savannah Ghost Pirates on Sunday afternoon. This win isn’t just about two points in the standings; it’s a statement about the Stingrays’ ability to close out games, a skill that has often eluded them in tightly contested matchups this season. Coming off a road loss, this home ice performance is particularly significant as they navigate a demanding schedule and jockey for position in the competitive South Division.
- Eisele Shines: Goaltender Seth Eisele’s 32-save performance was the backbone of the victory, particularly during a relentless second and third period push from Savannah.
- Funk’s Consistency: Forward Zac Funk continues to be a driving force offensively, notching a goal and an assist for his third consecutive multi-point game.
- Power Play Success: The Stingrays capitalized on an early power play, setting the tone for the game and demonstrating the potential of their special teams.
The Stingrays (16-9-1-0) jumped out to an early lead, capitalizing on a power play opportunity after an Eamon Powell tripping penalty. Simon Pinard’s feed to Zac Funk resulted in Funk’s fifth goal of the season, giving South Carolina a 1-0 advantage. They quickly doubled their lead thanks to a forced turnover by Funk, leading to a Jalen Luypen goal. This early offensive burst was critical, establishing a cushion that would prove vital as the game progressed.
Savannah, struggling to find consistency this season (9-9-2-1), mounted a determined comeback in the second period. Matt Koopman’s deflection goal narrowed the gap, and the Ghost Pirates continued to press, testing Eisele with 14 shots. Eisele’s ability to deny several high-danger chances, including multiple odd-man rushes, was the difference in maintaining the one-goal lead. This highlights a growing trend for the Stingrays: their success hinges heavily on strong goaltending, a factor that will be crucial as the playoffs approach.
The third period saw a flurry of penalties against South Carolina, forcing their penalty kill unit to work overtime. Despite the pressure, and a late game push with an empty net, Eisele remained steadfast, stopping all remaining shots. Savannah’s desperation in the final minute, with a 6-on-4 advantage, underscored their frustration and the Stingrays’ defensive resolve.
The Forward Look
The Stingrays’ win provides a much-needed confidence boost heading into their upcoming series against the Orlando Solar Bears. However, the sheer number of penalties drawn in the third period is a concern. While the penalty kill was effective today, consistently putting themselves shorthanded is a recipe for disaster against a more potent offensive team. Expect Coach Cunniffe to address this discipline issue in practice this week. More broadly, the team’s reliance on Eisele’s stellar goaltending is a double-edged sword. While he’s proven capable, sustained success requires more consistent offensive output and a reduction in defensive zone pressure. The Solar Bears series will be a key indicator of whether the Stingrays can address these vulnerabilities and solidify their position as a top contender in the South Division. The team’s ability to translate this momentum into consistent performance over the next few weeks will be the defining factor in their playoff aspirations.
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The Stingrays return to the North Charleston Coliseum on Saturday, December 20 at 6:05 p.m. against the Orlando Solar Bears. The full schedule can be viewed on our website here.
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