ELMIRA, N.Y. – The Elmira Aviators (18-24-5-4) blanked the Philadelphia Rebels (19-25-2-6) 2-0 at the LECOM Event Center Saturday night.
After the shootout loss on Friday, Elmira head coach Leeor Shtrom elected to give Jake Shingles the nod between the pipes for Saturday’s contest.
The Allentown native did not disappoint, making 23 saves on the way to his first career shutout and the first shutout victory for the Aviators this season.
Elmira ultimately comes away with a positive three-point weekend before heading on the road for three games next week.
The purple and black scored both of their goals in the middle period, taking advantage of the rush and a power play.
First, Kevin Delaney ripped a pass up ice taken in stride by Ben Taylor down the left wing. Taylor maintained top speed entering the Philadelphia zone and beat Rebels’ netminder Ilja Nikitins short side to give the Aviators a 1-0 lead.
Later in the frame, Elmira’s top power play got to work. After having a one-time shot blocked earlier in the sequence, the puck found its way back to Evan Dantas, who wired a shot through traffic to double the Aviators’ lead.
That was all the scoring for the night, but Elmira dominated with great team defense and control of the ice.
The Aviators didn’t allow the Rebels to hit double-digit shots in any period and outshot Philadelphia 37-23 in total.
Shingles got the shutout and deservedly so with stout goaltending, but the defense in front made his life as comfortable as possible.
Elmira will try to carry the momentum from the weekend into three road games next week. It begins with a trip to Rochester on Tuesday, March 17, at 6:30 p.m.
Fans can stream the action on NATV or listen live on WINGZ93.
Mac Young is the play-by-play voice of the Elmira Aviators. To contact him, email [email protected].