The Aviators failed to hook a win against the Cape Cod Bluefins on Saturday during a 5-4 upset in overtime — and a bungled move by goalie Tommy “Big Stick” Lee helped Cape Cod turn the tide against the Brooklyn flyers.
Brooklyn’s boys of winter were well on their way to beating Cape Cod 3-1 in the seocnd set when Lee accidentally backhanded a puck into his own net as a frenzied Cape Cod powerplay raged in front of him.
The Aviators quickly recovered, scoring again in the third, but Cape Cod seized the momentum and netted two more goals, forcing an extra session.
Bluefin Anthony Sarno gave Cape Cod the victory, scoring with just two minutes remaining in the additional frame.
Aviator right-winger Vladimir Nikiforov’s dominance over the ice continued throughout Saturday’s hard fought battle. The former Utah Grizzly and Reading Royal, who joined the team on Nov. 1 — one week into season play — made three goals on Saturday, giving him four goals and four assists for the season.
This was the Aviators’ second bout against the Bluefins — and Brooklyn’s second overtime loss. The Aviators fell to Cape Cod 3-2 in overtime during the Bluefins’ home opener on Oct. 28.
The Brooklyn Aviators will be back home to play the Vermont Wild at Aviator Sports [3159 Flatbush Ave. in Floyd Bennett Field in Marine Park, (718) 758-7580] on Nov. 10 at 7:35 pm. Tickets $12 ($10 for seniors and children under 14). For information visit www.brooklynaviators.com.
Reach reporter Thomas Tracy at ttracy@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260-2525.
