Quick start among three takeaways from Reading's 6-1 victory over Manchester

Reading, PA - The Reading Royals defeated the Manchester Monarchs, 6-1, on Super Bowl Sunday. Here are three takeaways from Kaylee Herndon.

1. Setting the Pace The Royals took advantage of early opportunities to fly out to a 2-0 lead in the first four minutes of the game. Joe Houk tallied the first goal after Manchester failed to score on a breakaway. Spread thin, the Monarchs couldn't get in front of Houk’s right circle wrist shot. Moments later, Adam Schmidt chased a rebound off the boards to slide the puck past Cole Kehler.

2. Playing Under PressureReading put pressure on Manchester early to force errant passes and take away scoring chances. It resulted in a 3-0 lead after one. Royals color commentator Pat Richards identified a change in the Royals strategy from Saturday's game. Richards pointed out how the Royals often broke out of the defensive zone up the middle as the Monarchs pinched their exit lanes down the wings. 

3.  Thinking Outside the BoxReading was discplined, recording 2 penalty minutes Sunday compared to last night’s 18. The team killed the only Manchester power play, improving on their penalty-kill efforts from Saturday.

The Royals took advantage of two Manchester minors and went 2-for-2 on the power play. Frank DiChiara notched the first power-play goal with a short-side wrist shot to beat Kehler at the end of the first period. Brayden Low followed in the second period, putting one past Kehler’s glove. 

Next Home Games

Sat., Feb. 9: Pink in the Rink vs. Brampton at 7:00 p.m.1) 2nd of 3 games honoring the American Cancer Society2) Royals will wear specialty pink jerseys3) Ladies Night4) Enter for a chance to win a 2017 Toyota Camry, courtesy of AutoRide of Reading

Mon., Feb. 11: Player Cards and Player Autograph session vs. Brampton at 7:00 p.m.1) Postgame player autograph session and player card giveaway, pres. by Rieck's Printing

Wed., Feb. 20: Player Cards and Player Autograph session vs. Maine at 7:00 p.m.1) Postgame player autograph session and player card giveaway, pres. by Rieck's Printing

Sun., Feb. 24: Faith and Family Night + Battle of the Badges with a Berks Schuylkill Oil Heat Puck Giveaway vs. Adirondack1) Pregame Battle of the Badges for the FirstStates Cup game (Allentown police and fire vs. Reading police and fire departments)2) Royals will giveaway a Berks Schuylkill Oil Heat Puck3) Faith & Family Night