By CRAIG POTTER
Rochester is unable to hold the lead late in the fourth quarter.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester Rattlers held a lead for about 40 of the 60 minutes against the Florida Launch on Saturday night at Capelli Sport Stadium, but were unable to the visitors away as they dropped a 9-8 decision in overtime.
The Launch netted the first two goals of the match 6 minutes into the contest. The Rattlers battled back in the first quarter on goals by rookie Conor Gately and Dhane Smith.
Gately took a pass from Smith to put the Rattlers in front midway through the second period. Jeremy Boltus added a man-up goal for a 4-2 halftime advantage.
Each team scored in the third stanza before the fourth quarter saw a total of 7 goals tallied.
The teams continued to trade goals in the period before a 2-point goal by Steven Brooks evened the count at 7-7 with 1:05 left in regulation.
Drew Simoneau netted his first goal of the season 56 seconds later to put Rochester back in the lead with 59 seconds remaining in the period.
However, the Launch scored the equalizer with 9.5 ticks showing to send the game into overtime.
Florida controlled the faceoff and tallied the game-winner 26 seconds into the extra period to claim the victory.
Gately finished the game with three goals for Rochester as Smith made his season debut for the Rattlers and scored two goals and two assists.
“It’s not too bad a way to start,” Smith said. “I’d rather have the win than an overtime loss. A little bit rusty but I think we’ll figure it out.
“We really didn’t play very well tonight, hopefully we’ll play better next time.”
Rochester goalie John Galloway finished with 19 saves.
The Rattlers (2-3) travels to Denver next Saturday to take on the Outlaws (4-0).
Links
Rochester Rattlers – rochesterrattlers.com
Videos
Dhane Smith 1st goal – https://youtu.be/Wrg74lWsAPg
Conor Gately 2nd goal – https://youtu.be/bHjvHjt7ZFw
Drew Simoneau goal – https://youtu.be/cCXN3BKeB8k
Dhane Smith interview – https://youtu.be/NP2p_0UKzK0