Palazzese Records First Shutout in Rangers' 5-0 Win
November 23, 2012 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Kitchener Rangers News Release
Franky Palazzese recorded his first career Ontario Hockey League shutout Friday night, leading the Rangers to a 5-0 victory over the Sarnia Sting. Matt Puempel recorded a goal and a pair of assists, bringing his team-leading point total to 25. Eric Ming, Evan McEneny, Darby Llewellyn and Tobias Rieder all scored for the Rangers, who improve to 3-0 against Sarnia this season.
The Rangers jumped to a 1-0 lead midway through the first period. Third-year winger Eric Ming snapped a shot past Sting netminder Brodie Barrick, his fifth goal of the season and second against Sarnia. Leading scorer Matt Puempel picked up an assist on the goal at 9:05. Czech-born pivot Radek Faksa was also credited with a helper on the play.
Defenceman Evan McEneny extended the Rangers' lead to two goals late in the frame, with a big shot from the high slot that flew past Barrick. His second goal of the season was assisted by Matia Marcantuoni and captain Ryan Murphy.
Kitchener led shots on goal 7-6 through the opening 20 minutes.
Rookie forward Darby Llewellyn pushed the Rangers to a 3-0 lead at the 7:28 mark of the middle frame, firing a low shot under Barrick. Two of the Michigan native's three goals this season have been scored against the Sting. Former Sarnia centre Domenic Alberga and Justin Bailey collected assists on the play.
Sarnia led shots on goal 12-10 in the second period.
The Rangers continued to push in the final period, jumping to a 4-0 lead on Puempel's 18th goal of the season. Ming collected the puck behind the Sting net before sending it in front for the Ottawa Senators prospect, who beat Barrick five-hole. Faksa also recorded his second point of the night with an assist on the play.
The Rangers added one more goal on a power play in the latter half of the third period, securing a 5-0 lead. Barrick made the initial save on Ryan Murphy, but German winger Tobias Rieder was there to jump on the rebound. His ninth of the season was also assisted by Matt Puempel.
The Rangers dominated shots on goal 15-5 in the final frame and finished the game with a 32-23 overall advantage. Franky Palazzese stopped all 23 Sarnia shots to record his first career Ontario Hockey League shutout and was named the game's first star.
With the win, Kitchener improves to 10-1 at The Aud this season.
Scoring
1. KIT E. Ming, (5) (M. Puempel, R. Faksa), 9:05
1. KIT E. McEneny, (2) (M. Marcantuoni, R. Murphy), 17:50
2. KIT D. Llewellyn, (3) (D. Alberga, J. Bailey), 7:28
3. KIT M. Puempel, (18) (E. Ming, R. Faksa), 6:07
3. KIT T. Rieder, (9) (R. Murphy, M. Puempel), 13:40 (PP)
Attendance: 7247
Three Stars
1. KIT - 32 Franky Palazzese
2. KIT - 73 Matt Puempel
3. KIT- 12 Eric Ming
The Rangers hit the road on Saturday, November 24 for a 7pm meeting with the Erie Otters. The team returns to the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium on Tuesday, November 27 to host the London Knights at 7pm. Tickets are available by phone at 519-578-1570 or 1-800-265-8977, via the internet at www.centre-square.com or in person at the Centre In the Square Box Office or the Kitchener Auditorium Box Office.
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