Whether it’s their speed, chemistry, or depth, Lancaster is quickly proving itself as one of the most dominant teams in the Fed. The Legends’ latest win was a 5-0 decision over Timon on Monday night, and their only regret was that they didn’t score more goals.
“We’re blessed that our offensive lines are starting to click in terms of creating chances and opportunities,” said coach Kevin Miller. “We found the back of the net four times today, and they had more chances than that, and now they’re just gonna have to work on finishing.”
“It’s embarrassing,” said forward Jeff Coons. “Should have had 10, easy.”
Coons transitioned from defense to offense late last season. He’s still listed on the roster as both a forward and defenseman, but he’s expected to remain up front this season. He had a goal and assist Monday night.
His linemate Shawn Kross had a goal and two assists, and their chemistry with each other and linemate Chris Blachowski is part of the reason for Lancaster’s early success this season.
“I just think passing the puck and getting everybody involved from the start,” Kross said. “First shift, get everybody’s feet moving as a line.”
“We just know where each other are and just forecheck pretty hard,” said Blachowski. “We just seem to have a lot of chemistry.”
“We just work the puck around really fast because our speed kills most teams, and they can’t really keep up with our passing,” added Coons.
Mike Shaver scored Lancaster’s first goal just 1:44 into the first, with an assist from Kross. Ryan Voight scored later in the period off assists from Connor Carrow and Jackson Vanderbosch. Kross scored 8:09 into the second, with assists from Don Horbett and Coons, and Coons capped off the scoring with 1:50 left in the third. Shaver and Kross assisted the goal.
Speed. Check. Chemistry. Check.
As for depth, the Legends proved both their offensive and defensive depth on Sunday by not only the 5-0 score, but a shots-on-goal differential of plus-24. They outshot Timon 38 to 14.
“We’re establishing a better forecheck that’s not just one or two lines,” Miller said. “It’s four lines offensively, and on top of that, our defense are stepping up when they need to, and as a team they’re collectively moving forward in a good direction.”
“Just a solid team win,” said Kross. “A lot of shots, all four lines contributed today, so that’s really nice to see, and we’re moving on to Sunday against OP.”
The Legends are scheduled to face off against divisional foe Orchard Park Sunday at 1 pm at Buffalo State College.