IceMen Watch Komets Clinch Playoff Spot
April 12, 2014 - ECHL (ECHL)
Evansville IceMen News Release
EVANSVILLE, Ind. - The Evansville IceMen traveled to northern Indiana looking to play spoiler, but it was all about the Fort Wayne Komets instead at Memorial Coliseum Friday.
With a 4-3 win over the IceMen, the Komets have captured the eighth and final Kelly Cup Playoff birth in the Eastern Conference. They've appeared in the post season of their respective league in 11 of the last 12 seasons.
Despite being outshot 42-23 for the game, Evansville jumped in front early and took a 2-0 lead heading into the first intermission. Forward Josh Beaulieu accomplished his 12th goal of the season, seventh on the power play, 12:58 into the first period. Forward Kevin Lynch and defenseman Thomas Larkin earned assists on the initial goal of the game.
Forward Alex Aleardi added to the recent power play brilliance of the IceMen with his 13th goal of the campaign 15:43 into the first period. Evansville's 2-for-2 man advantage output in the opening frame became the foundation for an early lead in Fort Wayne.
Defenseman Austin Madaisky and forward Daultan Leveille recorded assists on the goal.
Leveille went on to add his 22nd goal of the year at the 9:54 mark of the third period, putting him just one goal behind Matt Schepke for Evansville's single-season goal scoring record (ECHL). Leveille's goal, making it 3-3, was helped by forward Peter Sakaris. Leveille was voted second star of the game.
The Komets, facing a two-goal deficit heading into the second period, began their charge just 45 seconds into the middle frame. Forward Mike Embach netted his 28th goal of the season to cut the IceMen lead in half.
Netting an equalizing goal 38 seconds into the third period was forward Scott Fleming, who tallied his 16th goal of the season to tie the contest at 2-2. Fleming earned third star of the game honors.
Forward Christian Oullette provided the next two goals for the home team, with his ninth goal of the season 7:36 into the third period and 10th goal of the season, on the power play, 17:05 into same. Oullette was voted first star of the game after providing the two-goal performance, one of which became the game winner.
Goaltender Mike Clemente took the loss after saving 38-of-42 shots faced. He falls to 19-18-5 on the season. Goaltender Ben Meisner was stout when he needed to be. He earns the win after saving 20-of-23 shots faced, improving his record to 16-14-2 on the year.
After going 2-for-2 on the man advantage in the opening frame, the IceMen went 0-for-2 the rest of the way. Evansville owns the most efficient power play in the ECHL and have now registered a power play goal in four straight games. Fort Wayne went 1-for-4 on the man advantage.
With the loss, the IceMen are now 30-30-11 for 71 points on the season. The Komets improve to 35-24-12 for 82 points on the campaign. They capture the final post season spot in the East.
The IceMen conclude their season when they visit the Kalamazoo Wings at Wings Stadium Saturday. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CDT, with coverage on 'Magic 98.5' FM, 1400 AM WEOA.
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