PORTLAND — Something’s gotten into the Thornton Academy attack, lately.
Exactly what, is hard to pinpoint.
Then again, the Golden Trojans aren’t asking any questions, but instead, are enjoying the fruits of their offensive labors, which have produced nearly two dozen (23 to be exact) goals in their last three games.
The latest fusillade came Thursday, when the Trojans launched 10 shots into the South Portland net and game away with a 10-0 laugher at Portland Ice Arena.
C.J. Maksut and Jon Pate led the onslaught with two goals each, while goalie Jay Finch stopped 24 shots to record the shutout.
“That was fun to play in,” said senior forward Sam Canales, one of six Trojans (11-5-0) to score once. “It didn’t feel like a 10-0 game. I saw a different team than I’ve seen all year out of us. We’ve had chances all year. It felt like everything was clicking.”
The clicking started in earnest late in the first period, although not until after Finch had kept South Portland (6-8-2) at bay while under duress in the early minutes.
“It’s amazing when a goalie’s confident,” said Thornton coach Shawn Rousseau, “they just look bigger. I think that there’s something very real about that. They’re confident, they’re out, there hands are in front of them. Jay looked solid tonight. He’s got a little swagger.”
Nick Chen got the Trojans started at 12:46, when he polished off a rebound during a scramble in front of Desjardins.
Moments later, Thornton received a two-minute, five-on-three advantage, which Canales cashed with 37 seconds remaining in the period, making it 2-0.
“We practiced that all week,” said Canales, “because our power play has been struggling lately. It worked out just the way we drew it up in practice.”
The play began with defenseman Ryan Locke sending the puck down low to Robert Downing.
Downing, in turn found Canales in front.
Thornton rode the surge into the second period, and flooded the Red Riot net with five more goals.
Pate and Maksut accounted for the first two of those in a brief, 26 second span.
Pate’s came on a rebound at 2:59, while Maksut polished off a nifty centering pass from Downing.
“We were a team that was concerned about percentages,” said Rousseau. “A lot of shots on goal without results. It had been a growing area of concern that we’re beginning to solve.
“When you look at our production tonight, I’ll say two things. I thought there was a nice blend of skill and determination. It’s nice to see our offense coming through.”
Goals by Maksut, Pate, and Downing capped the explosive stanza, with Downing scoring with 1.6 seconds left to make it 7-0.
Rousseau gave his top two lines the rest of the night off in the third period.
Alex Lambert, Tyler Danley, and Alex Fallon all scored in the final frame to wrap up the rout.
Thornton has two more tune ups before the playoffs, Saturday at Falmouth, and Monday against St. Dom’s at the Colisee in Lewiston.
— Contact Dan Hickling at dhickling@journaltribune.com.
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