OAK FOREST, IL - The Chicago Cougars Elite unit came out swinging in their two-game series against division rivals, the Decatur Blaze, delivering a masterclass in puck possession, offensive firepower, and defensive discipline. The first game, played at the Edge Ice Arena in Bensenville, Illinois, saw the Cougars skate circles around the Blaze, while the second game, an outdoor spectacle under the lights at Parkway Bank Park in Rosemont, Illinois, was a showcase of the Cougars' depth and resilience. Let’s break it down, hockey heads.
Game 1: Edge Ice Arena – A Clinic in Dominance by the Chicago Cougars
The Cougars wasted no time setting the tone in Game 1, with Leonidas Cintron opening the scoring just 1:14 into the first period. From there, it was all Chicago. The Cougars outshot the Blaze 56-20, a staggering disparity that speaks volumes about their puck control and offensive zone time. Nate Maurin was a wall in net, stopping 19 of 20 shots, while the Blaze’s Charles Landers faced an absolute barrage, making 50 saves on 56 shots.
The second period was where the Cougars truly flexed their muscles. Joseph Rodriguez buried the game-winner at 11:04, followed by Bryce Denne and Nico Romita adding insurance goals. Romita’s tally came on the power play, a area where the Cougars have been lethal all season (19.42% conversion rate). The third period was more of the same, with Christos Cintron and Cameron Twadell adding to the scoreline. The Blaze managed to sneak one past Maurin on the power play courtesy of Dylan Kennedy, but it was far too little, far too late.
Key Takeaway: The Cougars’ top lines were firing on all cylinders, with the Cintron brothers (Leonidas and Christos) combining for three points and Romita continuing his stellar play with a goal and an assist. The Blaze, meanwhile, looked outclassed and outmatched, struggling to generate any sustained pressure.
Game 2: Parkway Bank Park – Hockey Under the Lights
The outdoor game at Parkway Bank Park was a spectacle for the fans, but for the Blaze, it was more of the same nightmare. The Cougars picked up where they left off, with Leonidas Cintron once again opening the scoring early in the first period. The Blaze’s penalty box became a revolving door, with Gavin Meisner taking two tripping minors and Doss Holloway adding a roughing call. The Cougars capitalized on their opportunities, going 1-for-4 on the power play.
The second period was a carbon copy of Game 1, with the Cougars pouring it on. Joseph Rodriguez netted the game-winner, Bryce Denne added another, and Nico Romita struck on the power play to make it 4-0. The third period saw Christos Cintron and Cameron Twadell light the lamp again, while the Blaze’s Dylan Kennedy managed to spoil Nate Maurin’s shutout bid with a power-play goal.
Key Takeaway: The Cougars’ depth was on full display, with seven different players finding the scoresheet. Defensively, they were airtight, limiting the Blaze to just 20 shots. The Blaze’s struggles on the power play (4.08% on the season) continued, and their inability to stay out of the box proved costly.
Series MVP: Nico Romita
Romita was a force in both games, tallying a goal and two assists while quarterbacking the power play with precision. His ability to control the pace of the game and create scoring chances for his line mates was a key factor in the Cougars’ dominance.
Coach Anthony Rohde’s Take
When asked about his team’s performance, Cougars Head Coach Anthony Rohde didn’t hold back:“This was a statement series for us. We’ve been building toward this kind of complete performance all season, and it’s great to see the guys putting it all together. Our puck movement, our discipline, our attention to detail—it was all there. But we’re not satisfied. We know what we’re capable of, and we’re just getting started.”
By the Numbers
Shots on Goal: Cougars 112, Blaze 40
Power Play: Cougars 2/8 (25%), Blaze 1/2 (50%)
Top Scorers:
Christos Cintron (CHI): 1 goal, 3 assists
Nico Romita (CHI): 1 goal, 2 assists
Dylan Kennedy (DEC): 2 goals
Looking Ahead
The Cougars improved to 17-12-0-1 on the season, solidifying their position in the playoff race. Meanwhile, the Blaze’s struggles continue, as they fell to 5-22-0-0.
The Cougars will look to carry this momentum into their next series, while the Blaze will need to go back to the drawing board if they hope to turn their season around. Catch all the Chicago Cougars action live on FloHockey.tv!
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