Second period, we score. Felix sets it up with a beautiful pass to Pierre. Pierre shoots.
Goal.
The team erupts. We're up 1-0.
Boston fights back hard and scores six minutes later. We’re tied again.
Then, with two minutes left in the period, I get the puck. I'm skating down the ice. Sully on my left. Pierre on my right. Boston's defense closes in. I fake left. Go right. Shoot. The puck sails past the goalie.
Goal.
2-1.
The guys swarm me, pounding my back, shouting.
"Fuck yes, Cap!" Pierre says.
"That's how it's done!" Sully adds.
I skate back to the bench and glance up at the medical area. Joelle is smiling and gives me a thumbs up. That's progress. And that feels better than scoring.
Third period is a battle. Boston is desperate. They pull their goalie with three minutes left. We defend hard. Block shots. Clear the puck. With thirty seconds left, Fish steals the puck and shoots it down the ice.
Empty net goal.
3-1.
Game over.
We win.
The locker room after is chaos. Music is blaring and everyone is celebrating.
"Five in a row!" Bouch yells.
"Undefeated streak!" Fish adds.
Coach walks in. Everyone goes quiet. "Good game, boys. Clean. Smart. Exactly what we needed." He looks at me. "Captain led by example tonight. Two assists and a goal. Well done, Black." The team cheers. Five wins in a row, the playoffs are in sight. Everything is falling into place, except the one thing that matters most.
On the plane ride to the next city, somewhere in Canada, I'm sitting by the window. Sully is next to me. Most of the guys are asleep, exhausted from the game. I pull out my phone.
Emmett: We won.
Joelle: You were amazing. That goal in the second period was incredible.
Emmett: Team effort.
Joelle: Don't be modest. You earned that win.
Emmett: Next stop Canada, then home.
Joelle: I know.
Emmett: I'll be waiting for you, Trouble.
Joelle: I know.
I set my phone down.Patience.
