TCO wins wild one over Performance Office Papers 5-4

If the first game of the evening was a showcase of structure and goaltending, the nightcap was pure chaos.

Twin Cities Orthopedics survived a wild back-and-forth affair Tuesday night, edging Performance Office Papers 5-4 in one of the most entertaining games of the young Dangle League season.

The victory improved TCO to 2-1 and vaulted them into sole possession of first place in the league standings with six points, while Performance Office Papers fell to 1-1-1 despite another strong offensive performance.

The game featured nine goals, multiple lead changes, momentum swings in both directions, and a dramatic game-winner in the final minute.

TCO wasted little time grabbing control.

Katie Zakrajscheck opened the scoring just 6:30 into the first half off a setup from Callie Arthur before Jemma McAlexander doubled the lead less than six minutes later. Performance answered through Elliana Engelhardt at 4:06, but the offensive fireworks were only getting started.

Makenna Miller pulled Performance even at 2-2 with 1:28 remaining in the half, only to have Callie Arthur strike with just five seconds left before intermission to send TCO into the break holding a 3-2 advantage.

The second half continued the track meet. Marian Omann restored TCO's two-goal cushion at 20:55, finishing a play from Zakrajscheck and Avery Mullin to make it 4-2.

Yet, Performance Office Papers refused to go away. Julia Gerdes cut the deficit to one at 9:11, and Taylor Schreifels buried the equalizer at 2:58 remaining, completing another comeback and tying the game 4-4. Schreifels finished with a goal and an assist, while Miller and Gerdes each contributed key goals during the rally.

Just when it appeared the teams were headed for overtime, TCO delivered the knockout punch. With only 35 seconds remaining in regulation, McAlexander scored her second goal of the night, converting a feed from Arthur and Zakrajscheck to send the TCO bench into celebration and give Twin Cities Orthopedics a dramatic 5-4 victory.

McAlexander and Arthur each scored twice for TCO, while Zakrajscheck quietly put together one of the night's biggest performances with a goal and two assists. Arthur added two goals and an assist, and Mullin chipped in a pair of helpers.

Tyler Jabs earned the victory in goal for TCO, turning aside 24 of 28 shots. At the other end, Beth Bigalke and Gianna Marchese combined for 20 saves for Performance Office Papers.

The game featured plenty of physical play as well, with seven minor penalties assessed between the two clubs, but neither team was able to capitalize with a power-play goal.

Three weeks into the season, TCO has emerged as the team to chase, but Tuesday night's thriller proved there is very little separating the clubs in a league that continues to deliver highly competitive hockey every time the puck drops.

And if this game was any indication, the race for the Dangle League championship is going to be a fun one.