Mullen falters late against Chatfield

 

It could have been a great week.

But Mullen will have to settle for a good one.

On a Saturday night that began with the National Anthem being played on an electric guitar, the Mustangs dropped a 5-2 decision to Chatfield in the Highlands Conference at The Edge Ice Arena, missing a chance to cap what potentially could have been a season turn-around. They easily handled Colorado Academy 7-0 on Tuesday and got past Columbine 3-1 on Friday despite being outshot badly.

Now 4-8 overall, and 1-6 and last in the Highlands, Mullen certainly had its chances against the Chargers (4-6-1, 2-4), who entered on a six-game losing streak. In fact, the Mustangs had a 4-on-1 in the opening minutes, but were whistled for being offside. They also hit a post at the 5-minute mark.

As it was, Chatfield grabbed a 2-0 lead after the first period.

While Mullen twice got within a goal of the Chargers – the first on a sweet tip-in by Robby Witwer on the power play in the second period and the second by Larry Simons off a faceoff at 8:04 of the third – the Mustangs gave up three goals over the final 17 minutes.

Mustangs goalie Connor Mahon again was strong, but was screened and never saw Chatfield’s third goal off a faceoff to his right and the fourth came on a breakaway while Chatfield was shorthanded. The Chargers’ final score was an empty-netter.

Mullen was 1-for-8 on the power play and killed off five player advantages for Chatfield.

Witwer and Simons also had assists.

The Mustangs will resume play on Thursday, Jan. 23, against Palmer in conference, 2:30 p.m., at The Edge.