Plum Hockey Team Down to Wire in Playoff Quest

Two wins in three games, and they're in.

But it will be a tough battle against high-ranking teams, and Plum varsity hockey team coach Stu Rulnick estimated that the team needs to win two out of its next three for a chance to compete for the Penguins Cup.

After an up and down season and Monday's loss against North Allegheny, the Mustangs are struggling to gain a spot in the playoffs.

The team has lost its last five after coming down from a seven-game high of wins and ties, making the record 5-10-2.

A make-up game against Bethel Park Wednesday ended with a shut-out by the opposing team and a score of 5-0.

Monday's game was closer, with a final score of 2-1, but Rulnick said the team hasn't been able to solve the long-standing problem of "showing up for one period."

Players haven't been getting in the game until the third period in recent games, he said.

North Allegheny took an early lead Monday night with a goal just a little over a minute into the game. The scoreboard didn't change until the Tigers added another point at 12:42 in the second period.

Plum took action in the third period with 8:27 remaining. Joe Randazzo scored with assistance from Jordan Gable and Steve Susalla.

Plum goaltender Taylor Cestra made 32 saves on 34 shots on net, while Plum totaled 21 shots for the game.

The Mustangs' highest scorer, Nick Cicolini, dressed for the game but is suffering from bruised ribs after colliding with the net in the team's game against Central Catholic last week.

"They're down," Rulnick admitted.

"The hardest part is to keep them aware that we still have a chance to make the playoffs," he said.

The team has two practices before a rematch against North Allegheny next Tuesday, Feb. 22.

Rulnick plans to work on ways to slow down the other team in the neutral zone, but perhaps more importantly, he needs to get his team back into the game emotionally, he said.

"They've seen what they're capable of doing," Rulnick said. "It's not like we can't play with this team."

Plum's remaining games will take place against Upper St. Clair at 7 p.m. during Plum's senior night on Monday, Feb. 28, and Hempfield, at the Kirk S. Nevin Arena on Thursday, March 3, at 9:15 p.m.