The Brooklyn Aviators shot down the hated New Jersey Outlaws on Saturday night during a thrilling 3–2 raid at the Capital One Ice Vault.
The scrappy Brooklyn squad took an early lead in the opening period, scoring twice in the first half of the frame. But those top-ranked rogues from dirty Jersey came back with a vengeance in the second set, meeting the A’s goals with two of their own — and forcing a nerve-wracking third period showdown.
After skating around the issue at hand, Aviators right winger Nick Petriello took charge of the situation, smacking a puck past New Jersey goaltender Adam Dekker eight minutes in the final frame — locking up the win for Brooklyn’s boys of winter.
Saturday night marked the A’s second victory over the Outlaws. But it wasn’t always this way: New Jersey robbed the Aviators of eight wins before Brooklyn returned the favor in a 6–1 victory on Jan. 20. The two squads will meet three more times before the season ends.
The Outlaws currently sit atop the Federal Hockey League’s standings, but Saturday’s loss cost the crooked stickmen dearly: it propelled the Aviators into third place — and, possibly, a prime spot in the upcoming fight for the Federal Hockey League’s coveted Commissioner’s Cup.
The Brooklyn Aviators will return to the Aviator Sports and Events Center [3159 Flatbush Ave. in Floyd Bennett Field in Marine Park, (718) 758-7580] on Feb. 10 at 7:35 pm for a rematch with the Danbury Whalers. Tickets are $12 ($10 for seniors and children under 14) For more info, visit www.BrooklynAviators.com.
