Beauty Play of the Central Division Semifinals - Axel Sandin-Pellikka’s Power Play Goal vs Manitoba
Photo Credit: Nicolas Carillo
The Graced By Rain “Beauty Play of the Series” for the Central Division Semifinals has been awarded to Axel Sandin-Pellikka’s power play goal in Grand Rapids’ 5-2 win over the Manitoba Moose.
After winning the faceoff, Manitoba could have easily controlled this play, but instead, they made the precarious decision to clear the puck and attempt a line change. However, John Leonard, one of the best scorers in the league, was already on his way to scoop up the puck that rolled around the yellow, almost directly onto his stick.
Yes, the Moose’s penalty kill was likely tired and needed fresh legs and clearer heads on the ice. But once Leonard had the puck on his stick, everything fell into beautiful, perfect synchronicity for the Griffins. As he moved up the ice, Manitoba quickly tried to assess where all of their targets were located, and in the depths of Grand Rapids’ defensive zone lurked Sandin-Pellikka, rapidly picking up speed. As soon as he was in Leonard’s vision, the puck flew towards Sandin-Pellikka, and nothing could stop him from finding the back of the net. He was a heat-seeking missile, and the target was the back of the net.
