Kings prospect Martin Chromiak continued to shine on Saturday night, despite Ontario falling short to the visiting Coachella Valley Firebirds 5-4 in overtime.
The 20-year-old rookie put together his first professional hat trick, as he continues to be red hot. Over his last seven games, Chromiak has posted 11 points, seven of which are goals.
STATS CHECK
Martin Chromiak had 0 goals and 3 assists in his first 13 GP this season.
In his next 7 GP (including tonight), he's put up 7 goals and 11 points. pic.twitter.com/3Nt8Rgxd3Q
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) January 22, 2023
Coachella found themselves on the scoresheet first, as Max McCormick beat goaltender Cal Petersen inside the left post before the two-minute mark of the opening period. At the halfway point in the opening frame, Chromiak potted his first of the evening, rifling a wrister past the Firebirds netminder.
In the second period, Chromiak added his second goal of the night, this time on the power play, hammering home a one-time shot off a pass from defenseman Jordan Spence. However, Coachella tied the game at 2-2 before the middle frame came to a close.
Ontario and Coachella continued to trade chances back and forth throughout the third period as well, with the Firebirds first to strike; taking a 3-2 lead. That didn’t last long though, as Chromiak fired one into an open cage on the power play to secure his first pro hat trick and tie the game at 3-3. Moments later, Coachella regained the lead — but only momentarily. With Ontario back on the power play, forward Aidan Dudas notched his eighth of the season via a deflection of a shot from Spence.
Tied at 4-4 after 60 minutes, the two (new) Southern California rivals headed to overtime. Only one shot was needed for Coachella, as they scored on a wrap-around try to win the game.
Petersen took home his first loss since January 6, stopping 20 of 25 shots.
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Lead photo via Daniel Stopani
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