With 1:20 remaining in the fourth quarter and the San Diego Seals down by one, forward Zack Greer shot a missile into the back of the goal that sent the San Diego fans into a frenzy at Pechanga Arena San Diego.
Then, with a mere 1.3 seconds left of regulation, forward Jeremy Noble dove for the corner and shot the ball that found its way past the Saskatchewan goalie for the sixth consecutive San Diego goal and complete the five-goal comeback and win the ballgame.
The Seals were down 5-1 after the first 15 minutes and 8-4 at halftime. After the Saskatchewan Rush added to their lead in the third quarter, it did not look like San Diego had any chance of getting back.
Then forward Casey Jackson collided with a Saskatchewan player and left for the locker room in the third quarter. The Seals were already without forward Austin Staats for this game, and then they lost Jackson. And they still could not get anything going on offense.
However, the biggest turning point of the game, defenseman Tor Reinholdt said, was goalie Frank Scigliano.
Scigliano gave up eight goals in the first half, but only allowed one goal and made 24 saves inside the final 30 minutes.
Wesley Berg scored his second goal of the night to get back within four with under three minutes to go in the third quarter. Forward Mac O’Keefe added his eighth goal of the season with under a minute to go and get San Diego within three goals.
Tre LeClaire got the scoring started in the fourth quarter, and Berg’s hat trick-clinching goal put the Seals within one. Greer and Noble’s late-game scores gave the Seals their eighth win of the season.
Notable:Western Division foe Colorado Mammoth fell at home tonight, Mar. 11, to Panther City Lacrosse Club and dropped to two games behind San Diego before their matchup next week.
Austin Staats said he was given a break this week and is completely healthy. He will return to the lineup next week against Colorado.