Latinovich Makes 26 Saves in 2-0 Game One Win over Macon
April 9, 2026 - 10:08 pm
MACON, GA – Nick Latinovich made 26 saves to become just the third goaltender in Peoria’s SPHL era to record a shutout in the playoffs. The Rivermen shut out the Macon Mayhem 2-0 at the Macon Coliseum on Thursday night to take a 1-0 series lead against the Mayhem. Garrett Devine scored both goals for Peoria.
Up 1-0 in the best-of-three series, the Rivermen will have a chance to clinch the first-round series against the Macon on Saturday, April 11, as the Rivermen host Game Two of the series at Carver Arena. Face-off is set for 7:15 pm.
FIRST PERIOD
Macon, playing in their first playoff series since 2021, went all out on home ice in the first period, peppering the Rivermen net with shots. Their attempt to break through in the first period was frustrated by Rivermen goaltender Nick Latinovich, who turned aside all 11 shots the Mayhem sent his way. Peoria answered with 14 shots of their own but could not solve Mayhem goaltender Josh Boyko.
SECOND PERIOD
Garrett Devine found the back of the net midway through the second period as he deflected a shot from the left-wing point from Josh Martin past Boyko to put the Rivermen up 1-0. Later on in the second, Devine struck again as he picked up the puck from a corner scrum along the near right-wing side. Devine then curled to the base of the circle and fired a short-angle shot to the net that deflected off a body in front and into the net.
THIRD PERIOD
Macon outshot the Rivermen in the third period, but Latinovich and Peoria held the Mayhem off the board en route to a 2-0 victory. The Rivermen lead the best-of-three series 1-0 and will have a chance to close out the series on Saturday night at Carver Arena.
Photo: Claire Schaffner - Peoria Rivermen
