Saturday 15 March 2014

Absolute Larceny

Sorry, Ottawa Senators fans, but this article isn't about that spectacular collapse your team pulled off tonight. Instead, it's about the woman to the left. Her name is Alex Rigsby and she plays for the NCAA's Wisconsin Badgers. Tonight, she was playing against the Harvard Crimson when she pulled off one of the most larcenous saves I have ever witnessed in hockey, let alone women's hockey. The highlight posted below will blow your mind for a few seconds, so be prepared. What Rigsby did can only be described as "incredible".

With Wisconsin leading in the third period of tonight's game, Harvard was pressing. Samantha Reber gathers the puck behind Rigsby's net and centers to Miye D'Oench who appeared to have a yawning cage to shoot at as Rigsby was stuck on her post. Easy goal, right?

WOW!
That, readers, is absolute larceny. Rigsby had no business making that save, yet she threw the lumber in front of the puck that appeared to be a sure goal! She got a little help from her defenceman in keeping the puck in the blue paint as a third Crimson forward tried to kill the highlight-reel save by crashing the crease, but that save was, as the French say, incroyable!

There's a push on Twitter right now to get Rigsby's save as the number-one play on ESPN SportsCenter's top-ten, and I'll be honest when I say that someone needs his or her head checked if this isn't the top play of the night. In fact, I'll go one further: ESPN is not a true sports network if this save doesn't get top spot. Rigsby's save is the best hockey play I've seen in weeks!

Congratulations to the Wisconsin Badgers on their victory tonight over the Harvard Crimson in the NCAA Frozen Four Quarterfinal! The Badgers now advance to the Frozen Four tournament against their arch-rivals in the top-ranked Minnesota Golden Gophers, but the fourth-seed should be considered a dangerous foe thanks to goaltender Alex Rigsby's abilities and her never giving up on a play!

Even if SportsCenter doesn't give Alex the highlight of the night, she's earned it here on HBIC. I know it doesn't hold the same prestige, but that was one helluva save!

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!

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